PRICE TWENTY-FIVE CENTS 





Book,^9'RSl 



THE PRISONER OF ANDERSONVILLE 



B niiUtdry Drama in Tour Jlcts 



BY 

CHARLES WALCOTT RUSSELL 



Copyright, 1903, by Dick & Fitzgerald 



c^ 



NEW YORK 

DICK & FITZGERALD, Publishers 

18 Ann Street 



THE LIBRARY OF 
CONGRESS, 

Two Copies Received 

JUL 23 1903 

\\ Copyright Entry 
dLASS ^ XXcNo, 
COPY B. 



Cn 



Vp 



'^M' 



(r 



'K ^ 

A 



^^1- 



J THE PRISONER OF ANDERSONVILLE. 

t 

[Note — The professional acting rights of this play are expressly- 
reserved by the Author. Theatrical managers wishing to produce 
it should apply to the Author, in care of the Publishers. Ama- 
teur representation may be made without such application and 
without charge.] 



CHARACTERS 



Reginald Verley A Virginian, afterward Colonel, U. S. A. 

Jack Elliott A Virginian, afterward Captain, U. S. A. 

Victor Dupre (pronounced Du-pray) A French Creole 

Nick Brent A gambler 

Charley Preston A Southerner, afterward Lieutenant 

Confederate Army 

Mickey Free Sergeant, U. S. A. 

Larry Lacy Private, U. S. A. 

Bingo A colored servant 

Lieut. Grey U. S. A. 

Lieut. Vernon JJ. S. A. 

Kate Preston A Southerner, Charley's sister 

Sally Verley Verley's daughter 

Teena A colored servant 

Marjorie Kate's child, a little rebel 

[Note. — Brent can double Mickey. Preston can double 
Lieut. Grey.] 

Time.— The Civil War. 

Locality. — Virginia. 

Time of Representation. — Two hours. 

Between Acts I. and II.. a lapse of four years. 
Between Acts II. and III., a lapse of two days. 
Between Acts III. and IV., a lapse of a few hours. 



4 The Prisoner of Andersonville 

SYNOPSIS 

Act. I. — The dance at Verley's house. The mysterious hand, 
disappearance of the ice-cream and Bingo's dilemma. Teena's 
ingenious explanation. Duprf/s courting and Kate Preston's 
defence of Elliott. Bingo and Teena. Dupre accuses Elliott 
of cheating at cards. Dupre persistent, and Elliott's disgrace. 

Act. II. — The Federal camp. Mickey Free loses a finger. El- 
liott arrives with dispatches; Dupre's endeavor to obtain them. 
Elliott's arrest for assaulting his superior officer, Dupre. Res- 
cue of Marjorie. Heroism. 

Act. III. — Dupre's mean revenge. Kate's defence of Confed- 
erate Generals. Elliott's rescue of his company's flag. "Sheri- 
dan's Cavalry never retreats !" Preston a prisoner of war. El- 
liott in charge of dispatches to Gen. Grant. Dupre accuses 
Elliott of having served a time in prison. "Yes, Victor Dupra, 
I spent two months of my life in the military prison of Ander- 
sonville." Honor. 

Act IV. — Sally Verley's jealousy. Preston's explanation. 
Elliott prepares for taking the dispatches to Gen. Grant. The 
loaded cigar. Teena's assignation and Bingo's opportunity. 
Preston refuses to steal the dispatches. Dupre's determination 
overheard by Kate. "The dispatches have been stolen!" De- 
tection of Dupre. Elliott's vindication. The dispatches un- 
necessary. "Gen. Lee has surrendered !" 



PROPERTIES 



Act I. — Rustic bench l. c. Rustic chair r. 3. Rustic chair 
near house, l. 3. Tray and six glasses of ice-cream in entrance 
R. 2. Three cigars (for Dupre). Telegram (for Preston). 
One extra glass of ice-cream in r. 2 e. 

Act II. — Rampart or wall, five feet high, from r. 3 to l. 3. (See 
note.) Flagpole ten feet high close to centre of rampart, United 
States flag on pole. Spikes on pole for Elliott to climb up. 
Rifle effects in r. 3 e. (See note.) Legal documents in large 
official envelope (for Elliott). Three or four rifles leaning 
against rampart. One loaded rifle (for Larry; blank car- 
tridge.) Dark pint flask (for Bingo). Riding- whip (for Du- 



The Pfisonef of Andcrsonville 5 

pre). Horseshoe effects in entrance r. 3. (See note.) Cannon 
on rampart, l.. and pointing up R. (See note.) 

Act. III. — Basket on stage, c. (See note.) Cloth for basket. 
Flat desk (or table) near r. 2. War maps, books, documents, 
pen, ink and paper on table, R. Revolver bullet (for Mickey). 
Upholstered or handsome cane-seat chairs. Soft near l. 2. 

Act IV. — Legal document (for Dupre). Two cigars, one of 
them loaded, (see note) and short piece of green ribbon (for 
Mickey). Sheet of paper (for Dupre). Clay pipe (for 
Mickey). Rustic bench down r. Revolver, loaded (for Du- 
pre). Legal document in large envelope, in entrance r. 3. Re- 
volver (for Mickey). Tray, glass and quart bottle, l. 3 e. (for 
Bingo). Photo (for Preston). Horse effects, r. 3. Loaded 
revolver, r. 3. 



COSTUMES 



Verley. Act I. — Evening dress. Acts II., III. and IV.— 
Uniform Colonel, U. S. A. 

Jack. Act I. — Evening dress. Acts II., III. and IV. — Ser- 
geant, U. S. A. 

Dupre. Act I. — Evening dress. Acts II., III. and IV. — Cap- 
tain, U. S. A. 

Brent. Act I. — Sporty costume. Acts II., III. and IV.— 
Lieutenant, U. S. A. 

Preston. Act. I. — Evening dress. Acts II., III. and IV.— 
Old uniform, Confederate Army. 

Mickey. Acts II., III. and IV. — Sergeant, U. S. A. 

Larry. Acts II., III. and IV.— Private, U. S. A. 

Bingo. Act. I. — Waiter's evening dress. Acts II., III. and 
IV. — Ordinary dress. 

LiEUTS. Grey and Vernon. Uniform U. S. A. 

Kate. Act I.— Pretty evening costume (no train). Acts II., 
III. and IV. — Neat house dress. 

Sally. Similar costumes as for Kate. 

Teena. Act I. — Swell darkey servant's dress. Other acts, 
quiet. 

Marjorie. Acts II., III. and IV.— Pretty dress for Southern 
child. 



6 The Prisoner of Ahdersonvillc 

ABBREVIATIONS 

The player is supposed to face the audience, u. s., up stage; 
D. s., down stage; r. 3 e., right third entrance; l. 3 e., left third 
entrance ; r. u. e., right upper entrance ; c. d., centre door ; c. D. R., 
centre door right ; d. r. 3, door right third entrance ; r. c, right 
of centre of stage; U. S. A., United States Army. 

Notes. — Rampart or wall in Act II. can be made by using 
two prison wings, up-ended, and running them clear across stage, 
joining them in centre; or, use unbleached muslin painted to rep- 
resent wall. 

Rifle effects in Act II. Place a buggy-seat across an empty 
barrel, then take two rattans or canes (or stout switches) and 
beat buggy-seats fast or slow, as may be deemed necessary. 

Horse effects in Acts II. and IV. Cut a cocoanut in two 
right in the middle, use empty shells on floor, imitating horse 
hoofs, soft at first, gradually increase sound, then stopping, at the 
same time saying, "Whoa!" or '"Steady!" 

Cannon in Act II. Cut out piece of board about four feet long 
to look like a cannon, and paint black or brass color. 

Basket for Act III. Should be large enough to contain a 
small dog. If necessary, place imitation dog in basket and cover 
with cloth. Dog should not be taken out. 

Loaded cigar in Act IV. Cut out portion of top of cigar near 
the end and put in a little powder, then bind a piece of tobacco 
leaf over top to keep powder from falling out. Tie piece of green 
ribbon around loaded cigar. 



THE PRISONER OF ANDERSONVILLE. 



ACT I. 

SCENE. — A garden. House at l. 3., with veranda cov- 
ered with roses. Rustic bench at l. 2. Chair at r. 3. 
Tree back of the chair. Soft zvalts music as the curtain rises. 
ENTER Bingo, r., with tray and six glasses of ice-cream, 
pauses, looks at dancers, who can be seen through the win- 
dow; does a funny zvalts as he enters. 

Bingo. Well, dey is enjoyin' demselves, an' no mistake. Reck- 
on dey can't eat dis yar ice-cream jus' yet, an' if I goes in 
dar I'll get it knocked out of my hand, shuah. {Places tray on 
chair near r. 3 and again zvatchcs dancers. As he does so Teena^s 
black hand, near tree r., reaches in and takes a glass.) Dar's Mas- 
sa Elliott, he am dancin' wid Missy Preston. Foh de Lawd sake ! 
Who would eber t'ink dat lady was married and had a little gal 
nearly two years old? She don't look no older dan Missy Sally, 
an' dat's a fac'. I wonder if I could sneak in wis dis yar cream. 
(Turns, is about to lift tray, sees only five glasses, looks puzzled, 
counts them.) Well, foh goodness gracious sake! If I didn't 
go an' forget one of dem glasses ob cream. Reckon I better get 
'nother one right quick. 

[EXIT R. 2. As he exits the same black hand takes an- 
other glass. 

ENTER Mr. Verley from house, stands and looks around. 

Verley. Bingo! Bingo! Where is the rascal, I wonder. 
(Pause.) This comes of making too much of the boy. There's 
no getting him to do anything. A few days in the field will 
bring him to his senses. [EXIT into house. 



8 The Prisoner of Andersonville 

ENTER Bingo, r. 2., zvith glass of cream, is about to place it on 
tray, sees only four glasses, tivists clear around, looks up in 
tree, under bench, stands looking at tray, scratches head, feels 
in pockets, counts glasses again. 

Bingo. One, two, three, four. Foh de Lawd sake, I'se a 
dead nigger, shiiah. {Looks oif n., starts back grinning.) I 
alius knowed dat ice-cream went pretty quick, but dat is de quick- 
est ice-cream I ever did see. {Whistles, zvalks slowly down, looks 
off R. 2, then hides quickly in r. 2. In a moment a black hand 
comes out and is about to take a glass when he catches the hand.) 
Not dis yar time, honey. I has yoh, shuah. Come right out ydh. 
an' lemme look at dat lubly ice-cream mouf. {Hauls out Teena 
and takes her down c.) 

Teena {struggles) . Yoh jes' lemme go, yoh brack nigger, yoh! 

Bingo. If it ain't Teena ! 

Teena. Lemme go. I say. {Boxes his ears with right hand.) 

Bingo. What foh yoh steal dat dar cream? 

Teena. Me, sah? Me steal yoh cream? Ain't yoh 'shamed 
ob yohself, yoh brack colored man. to excuse a lady like me ob 
propriation yoh old cream. I don't like dat kind ob cream, no- 
how. 

Bingo. But I seed yoh. 

Teena. Yoh nebber seed me, sah. 

Bingo. I seed yoh han' come out like dat {imitates). I seed 
yoh. Yoh was jes' goin' to snatch dat dar cream. I seed yoh 
han', so. {Imitates.) 

Teena. Yes, sah, yoh seed my han'. 

Bingo. An' yoh was goin' to steal moah cream. 

Teena. I nebber stealed yoh cream. I seed one ob dem nasty 
yaller gal sneak up an' take yoh ice-cream, an' I knowed she was 
goin' to take moah, an' I was goin' to push dat tray furder 
along dat dar chair so dat yaller gal couldn't take no moah ob 
yoh cream, an' now yoh go foh to excuse me ob takin' yoh old 
cream. {Cries.) 

Bingo {as she cries, he sucks his teeth and nearly cries him- 
self; aside). She nebber took no cream. She nebber could take 
no cream. Dat dar gal's too sweet foh to do such a thing. Ef 
she don't like dat kind ob cream dar's no reason foh her to take 
dat kind ob cream. Dar, Miss Teena, don't go foh to cry. I 
nebber said yoh took no cream. I'se downright 'shamed ob my- 
self, dat's what I is, an' I begs yoh pardon. 

Teena. I tole yoh I done took no cream, Mr. Bingo. 

Btngo. I reckon I better go an' get some moah ob dat cream 
mighty quick. {Starts R.) 



The Prisonef of Andersonvillc 9 

Teena (coaxingly). Mr. Bingo. 

Bingo. Yas, Miss Teena. 

Teena. I nebber did like dat dar lemon cream, but when yoh 
has some banilla 

Bingo. Banilla! Why, dat's jes' what dis yar cream is, 
banilla. (Aside.) I knowed dat gal nebber took no cream. 
(Aloud.) Miss Teena, if yoh would like some banilla cream, 
come along wid me. 

Teena. Jes' to oblige you, Mister Bingo. (Bingo offers arm.) 

Bingo. Miss Teena, dat sweet little mouf ob yohs was made 
foh cream. 

Teena (grinning, wide mouth). Go along wid yoh, sah. Yoh 

conflusterate me wid yoh flopperies. [EXIT, r. 2. 

[During foregoing scene dancing can cease at any time. 

ENTER DuPRE from house as Teena and Bingo EXIT, comes 
dozvn, looks after them, takes out a cigar and lights it. 

DuPRE. Oh, Love ! Love ! Love ! What a persevering little 
devil you are. No matter whether the cuticle be black or white, 
you manage to get into the veins and make the blood run riot. 
(Looks back into house.) I would give a good deal to know 
if she cares for me, but I be hanged if I feel like asking her. They 
say her husband treated her like a brute. Well, some women 
deserve it. She didn't have to stand it long, at any rate. He 
got comfortably shot a year after they were married. Never 
loved him. Simply a family arrangement, and a damned bad one 
at that. Now she's dancing with that cad Elliott again. I 
wonder what in the name of Heaven women see in that fellow, 
anyhow? (Up R.) 

ENTER Verley from house. 

Verley (calls). Bingo! Confound that fellow. (Does not 
sec Dupre.) 

Dupre (aside). Her uncle! I'll speak to him now. 

Verley (c). Ah, Dupre! Haven't seen anything of that 
black rascal Bingo, have you? Where the devil 

ENTER Bingo quickly with tray. 

Bingo. Yes, Massa Verley, I'se here. (Tries to pass Ver- 
ley.) 

Verley. Where the devil 

Bingo. Yes, Massa Verley, I'se right here. (Tries to pass.) 



JO The Prisoner of Andersonville 

Verley. Where the devil have you been all this time? 

Bingo. Yes, Massa Verley, dat's it, Massa Verley, a yaller 
debil done gone and get into dat dar ice-cream and done gone an' 
eat it, an' I had foh to get moah cream, Massa Verley. 

ENTER Sally from house. 

Sally. Bingo! (Bingo moves crab-fashion toward house.) 

Bingo. Yes, Missy Sally, I'se right heah. (Verley follows 
him tip; he backs up steps or into veranda.) I'se right heah. 

[EXIT into house, followed by Sally. Verley is about 
to EXIT also. 

Dupre. One moment, Verley. 

Verley (turns). Certainly, Dupre. Something to say to me? 

Dupre. Well, the fact is — I — hardly know how to begin, but 
you must have seen — Oh, I may as well come to the point 
at once. I love your niece, Mrs. Preston, and thought you might 
like me to speak to you first. 

Verley. Quite right ! Quite right ! Of course, my dear fel- 
low, I have not been blind to the fact that you enjoyed her soci- 
ety, and — er — well — well — she is a good girl, too good, in fact, 
for the man she married three years ago. By Heaven, sir, if 
that fellow had not had the decency to die I'd have horsewhipped 
him. But there, I'm losing my temper. I always do when I 
think of what she suffered in one short year. I'll send her to 
you. You shall plead your own cause. (Goes toivard house.) 
I suppose you would prefer to? [EXIT, laughing. 

Dupre (r. c). I am not so sure of that. I am not so sure 
she even likes me. Some time ago she seemed to appreciate my 
society, but that was before this idiot Elliott returned from 
Europe. Then, she has such absurd notions as to how we should 
treat our slaves. Agrees with Elliott that whipping should be 
done away with; as if the black brutes would work without the 
whip. She'll get over those notions when she is my wife. 
(Smokes.) 

ENTER Kate from house. 

Kate. Mr. Dupre. (Bows.) 

Dupre (bows.) Mrs. Preston. (Throws cigar away.) 

Kate. My uncle 

Dupr6. Told you I wished to speak to you. Won't you sit 
down? 

Kate. Certainly. (Sits,- bench l., draws wrap around her 
shoulders.) It seemed so warm a moment ago, but now 



The Pfisonef of Anderson villc H 

Dupr6. My presence chills you, perhaps. 

Kate. What nonsense ! I have been waltzing, and coming out 
here suddenly, I suppose 

DuPRE. I will not detain you long. Perhaps I am a little prem- 
ature in what I am about to say. Perhaps I ought not to say 
it at all, but "Nothing venture, nothing win." You must have 
seen that more than m.ere friendship has called me to this house. 
I have presumed to love you. May I hope that I have found 
some little favor in your eyes? 

Kate. Mr. Dupre, you have been frank with me and I will 
answer you candidly. I do not love you. 

Dupre. I have spoken too soon. Some other time, perhaps 

Kate (rises). It would be impossible for me at any time to 
return your affection. 

Dupre. May I ask why? 

Kate. I have answered you, sir. Surely, that is enough ? 

Dupre. You did care for me once. 

Kate. Never at any time have I loved you. 

Dupre. But you liked me? 

Kate. As well as any of my friends ; no more. 

Dupre. As well as Elliott, for instance? 

Kate. Mr. Elliott has nothing to do with the matter. 

Dupre. More than you think. Before Jack Elliott came here 
you liked me. I even thought you loved me. 

Kate. I never gave you any cause to think so. 

Dupre. Listen ! for you shall hear me. I even thought you 
loved me, but from the moment he came you have all but avoided 
me. Why? (She is silent.) Tell me, for I will know. I have a 
right to know. 

Kate. Yes, I will tell you, though you have no right to know. 
Before Mr. Elliott returned I believed that you possessed reason, 
honor, courage, all those bright gifts that go to make a man. I 
found I was mistaken. 

Dupre. Strange you did not find this out before he returned. 
(Sneers.) 

Kate. Sneer if you will, but listen ! In common with many 
Southern gentlemen, Mr. Elliott believes in treating slaves hu- 
manely. This you call womanish. One day he visited your 
plantation, and you demonstrated the superiority of your method. 
A field hand, a woman, God help her ! faint from recent illness, 
sat down to rest under a tree. The work was too much for her. 
This monstrous offence was committed under your very eyes, and 
you ordered her flogged. Mr. Elliott pleaded for her, but in 
spite of his entreaties, and even the protest of your own over- 
seer, the woman received her punishment. 



J 2 The Prisoner of Anderson villc 

DuPRE. Discipline must be maintained. 

Kate. Discipline, to flog a sick and helpless woman ! Dis- 
cipline, to torture a human being thrown by accident into your 
power! Discipline f Say rather despotism, for he who wilfully 
misuses such power is no longer a man. He is a contemptible 
coward. I wish you good-evening, sir. (Starts as if to go up 
stage.) 

DuPRE (m front of Kate). One word before you go. You 
refuse me because you love Elliott. 

Kate. I will not listen to you. (Tries to pass.) 

DupRE. Ah, but you shall! So I have hit it, eh? You do 
love him, this milksop who thinks it a crime to flog a nigger. 

ENTER Jack from house. 

Kate. I don't think you would call him a milksop if he were 
here. 

DuPRE. You don't, eh? Why not? 

Kate. Because, though he may be afraid or unwilling to flog 
a poor creature who never harmed him, I think he is both willing 
and able to thrash a coward who insults him. Let me pass, sir! 
(Tries to pass.) 

DuPRE. What if I refuse? (Takes hold of her wrists.) 

Jack (dozvn c). You won't refuse! Mrs. Preston, leave me 
to deal with this blackguard. (Kate goes up to door.) 

DuPRE (r.). Blackguard! What do you mean? 

Jack. Just what I say. When a man forgets himself as you 
have done he is a blackguard. 

DuPRE. You are damnably impertinent. 

Jack. No, not impertinent, simply correct ; and I wouldn't 
swear again, if I were you. It's objectionable, you know, in the 
presence of ladies. 

DuPRE. What right have you to interfere in my affairs? 

Jack. So long as they concern you alone, no right whatever. 
In this case I act for Mrs. Preston. 

DuPRE. Upon your own responsibility? 

Jack. Upon my own responsibility. 

DuPRE. You shall hear from me to-morrow. 

Jack. To-night, if it suits you better. (Turns to Kate.) 

Dupre: (moving r.). You crow loudly to-night, my fine bird. 
To-morrow I'll spoil your plumage. [EXIT, r. 2. 

Kate. Mr. Elliott, what have you done? 

Jack. Settled Mr. Dupre for awhile, at any rate. 

Kate. But he will challenge you, and 

Jack. Get out of the way as quickly as he can. Do not be 



The Prisoner of Andersonville t3 

afraid, my dear Mrs. Preston. The man who bullies a woman 
seldom has the courage to look down the barrel of a pistol. 

Kate. He was awfully rude, and hurt my wrist terribly. 

Jack. Poor little wrist. (Tries to kiss it.) 

Bingo (enters from veranda). Ahem! 

[EXIT, crab- fashion, r. 3. 

Kate. Mr. Elliott! 

Jack. Excuse me ! 

Kate. Certainly ! 

Jack. Might I ask what the trouble was about? 

Kate. Why not? (Sits l.) You see, I heard about the way 
that poor girl was flogged, and 

Jack. Gave him your opinion about it. It was a cowardly 
act ! Lucky for him she wasn't whipped while I was there. He 
had the decency, or good sense, to wait till I had gone. (Sits R. 
of Kate on bench.) 

Kate. I am so glad we agree on this subject. 

Jack. As on many others. 

Kate. Our tastes are certainly very much alike. 

Jack. We differ, however, on one particular subject. 

Kate. And that is? 

Jack. Well, you see — you don't — that is — / don't — I might say 
that we don't. 

Kate. Don't we? 

Jack. What I meant to say was 

Kate. What you didn't say. Oh, certainly. I understand. 
Your explanation is excellent. (Laughs.) 

Jack. Now you are making fun of me. 

Kate. I never make fun of those I like. 

Jack. Then you do like me? 

Kate. I did not say so. 

Jack. That's just it. That's what I meant, what I was trying 
to tell you just now, that— er— / liked you, but I did not think 
you liked me. 

Kate. I never said so. 

Jack. No, you didn't say so, but — er — do you? 

Kate. Do I say so? 

Jack. No. Do you like me? 

Kate. Very much indeed. 

Jack. Ah! (Tries to put his arm around her.) 

Kate (rising). I think I hear Sally calling me. 

Jack (rises). No, no: I'm sure you don't. (Looks around.) 

Kate. Are you sure? 

Jack. Quite positive. 

Kate. I may have been mistaken. 



J 4 The Prisoner of Anderson villc 

Jack. I wish I was (she looks puzzled) Miss-taken. (She 
laughs.) You say you like me very much. Now, do you think 
you could learn to love me? (Both sit.) 

Kate. Oh, of course I could, but 

Jack. But you don't. I knew it. It's just my luck! 

Kate. Why should I love you any more than the rest? I 
have only known you a short time, while some of the gentlemen 
here I have known for years. 

Jack. True, quite true. I ought to have known it. I can only 
ask your pardon for being so presumptuous (aside) and kick my- 
self for being such a thick-headed ass. (Moves r., as if going.) 

Kate. Don't go. (He turns as if in hope.) No, no; I didn't 
mean that. I — I meant to say that as you have mentioned the 
matter, I will think it over. 

Jack (comes nearer, sits). You will think it over? You will 
give me a little hope, then, that some day you will be 

Kate. A mother to you. (Jack turns as if hurt. She laughs.) 
You foolish fellow, don't you know that I am a widow, nearly 
twenty-two years old? 

Jack, You are making fun of me. I don't believe you even 
like me. 

Kate. I do like you — very much. (Jack tries to put arm 
around her.) No, no, no! but as for love (Laughs.) 

Jack (getting up). You have no heart! (Moves r.) 

Kate. Oh, yes, I have. Quite a large one, too, but not enough 
to go around. Sit down. (He sits.) Do you know this Vir- 
ginia is the most awful State for love-sick boys ? You will hardly 
believe it when I tell you, but yours is the fifth proposal this 
year, and as I have promised each and every one careful thought 
and consideration, why, it may be months before I reach your 
individual case. Now, I can assure you that experience has taught 
me a lesson, and I am not at all anxious to marry again, but if I 
should so decide 

Jack. You will ! I know you will ! 

Kate. Well, even if I should, how can I say whether it will 
be Number One, Two, Three, Four, or Number Five? They are 
all charming, gentlemanly fellows, and they all adore me ; that 
is, they say they do. 

Jack. Of course, they tell you so. the brainless idiots. 

Kate. You forget you are Number Five. (Laughs.) 

Jack. There you go again, poking fun at me. (Rises, goes r.) 

Kate. Don't be silly. You did it yourself. Sit down. (He 
sits.) Well, the other evening we were in the garden, Fred. Som- 
ers and I, when suddenly, without a word of warning, down he 
went on his knees, seized my hand, and (Jack gets up.) 



The Prisoner of Anderson villc i5 

Jack. Covered it with kisses, and you allowed it. (Moves R.) 

Kate. Don't get excited. Sit down. (He sits.) He has been 
proposing to me for the past six months. This time he simply 
buttoned my gloves. Oh, he is perfectly harmless. Why, I do 
believe if I were engaged he'd go on proposing to me at stated 
intervals. 

Jack (rising and speaking fiercely). I'd like to catch him at it. 

Kate. Well, if you did, pray what business would it be of 



yours 



Jack (meekly). Oh, none at all, of course, unless 

Kate. Very well, then, sit down and listen. (He sits.) On 
this particular occasion the gardener had been spraying the lawn, 
and when Fred, got up he looked just too funny for anything 
with two great wet patches on the knees of his — er — of his 

Jack. What ? 

Kate. Why, you know — his — his 

Jack. Trousers ? 

Kate. Yes, that's it. How funny I could not think of it be- 
fore. 

Jack (good and strong). And you a widow! 

Kate. Well, I screamed with laughter and off he marched, 
trying to look dignified, and he hasn't been here since ! 

Jack. Oh, don't worry about it. He'll be here again before 
long. 

Kate. When the lawn is dry. (Laughs.) 

Jack. It is time such nonsense was put a stop to! 

Kate. By whom ? 

Jack, Oh, well, you know what I mean, Kate. 

Kate (rising). Mrs. Preston, if you please. 

Jack. I can't say "Mrs. Preston." You don't look it, at least 
not to me; and Kate is such a pretty name. 

Kate. Is it? 

Jack. I mean you are so pretty — and young looking, that I — 
oh, confound it! I beg your pardon, but I must call you Kate. 

Kate. Well, if you must, of course I can't help it, can I? 

Jack. Not very well. And you will call me Jack? 

Kate. Oh, no, that I couldn't do. 

Jack. But you must. 

Kate. Very well, if I must, why 

Jack. Of course you must. (Arm around waist.) 

Kate. NO! NO! (Jumps away.) 

Jack. And we will be such jolly good friends. 

Kate. I am sure we shall. 

Jack. And some day we will be more than friends. Some 
day you will promise to — — 



t6 The Prisoner of Anderson villc 

Kate. Oh. I couldn't promise anything. Remember, you are 
Number Five. You really must have patience. 

Jack. Can't you give me some little hope ? Something for my 
heart to feed on? 

Kate. Why, is your heart so very hungry? (Laughs.) 

Jack. If you don't, I'll do something desperate. I'll kill my- 
self. 

Kate. No, no, Jack! Don't say such things. 

Jack. You said Jack! (Arm around waist.) 

Kate. Did I? Yes, I do believe I did. But really, you are 
so very impulsive that 

Jack. Well, now promise me. 

Kate. No, sir, I shall make no promises. 

[EXIT together, whispering, l. 2. 

ENTER Teena and Bingo, r. 2, in much the same position; stand 
near r. 2. 

Teena. Dar's several cullud gentlemen been done gone axed 
me foh to marry dem, an' I ain't a-goin' to marry ebery one of 
yoh. I can't do it, foh dat would be burglary. 

ENTER Jack and Kate, l. 2. All four move slowly toward c. 
Jack opposite Bingo, Kate opposite Teena. 

Bingo. I tell yoh. Miss Teena, yoh has to, foh if yoh don't I 
jes' tell yoh what I'se goin' to do. I'se goin' to kill myself, shuah ! 
[All four meet in centre, pause. Jack starts from Kate 
and Bingo from Teena. Jack moves up c, turns, 
whistles and EXITS into house. Then Bingo moves 
R., turns, whistles and EXITS r. 2. Teena and Kate 
look at each other. 
Kate. Teena, what does this all mean? 
Teena. Yes, Missy Preston, what do dis all mean? 
Kate. Teena, this is wicked, this is shameful! 
Teena. Yes, Missy Preston, dis am wicked, it am shameful! 
Kate. I am surprised — shocked ! 
Teena. Yes, Missy, I'se surprised — shocked! 
Kate. I saw his arm around your waist. (Going.) 
Teena. Yes, Missy, I seed his arm around your waist. 
Kate. Don't let it ever occur again. [EXITS into house. 

Teena (laughs loud and long). Dis love am a terrible disease. 
It am no inspector of pussuns. It cotch de black folk, an' it 
cotch de white folk, and from de flutterin' dat's goin' on right 
yar (heart) I do believe I'se cotched dat disease. I'se cotched it 
bad. [EXIT r. 2. 



The Ptisonet of Anderson ville J 7 

[As she goes, ENTER Dupre r. u., smoking; looks after 
Kate. Goes down r., sits. 

Dupre. So Jack Elliott is the man. I thought so. Curse 
him ! She showed me some kindness until he came. I wonder 
who told her about that flogging business? Soft-hearted fool! 
I'd like to get him out of the way. It might do me no good, but 
it might hurt her if she does care for him. (As he speaks, 
ENTER Brent, r. 3., stands near him, looking over his shoul- 
der.) I'll get him out of the way if I can, but how? 

Brent. Fill him with lead ! 

Dupre {jumps). Hello, Brent! Is that you? You startled 
me. "Fill him with lead?" More easily said than done. Have 
you seen him shoot ? 

Brent (c). Never saw him before in my life. 

Dupre (r.). I thought not. Well, he's the best shot in Vir- 
ginia. You know what that means. 

Brent. Never misses, eh? The devil! 

Dupre. I wish the devil had him. But what a fellow you are 
for springing up in odd corners. What brings you here? 

Brent. Have you forgotten the races to-morrow? 

Dupre. That's so. 

Brent. Dupre, you're a fool ! 

Dupre. Thanks. But why? 

Brent. Allowing a woman to run away with your brains. 

Dupre. As horse-racing does with yours. It's the first time, 
Brent. 

Brent. Let it be the last. 

Dupre. It will be. 

Brent. Hard hit, eh? Every dollar on the favorite! Field 
nowhere ! 

Dupre. Confound it, yes — and no — damn it ! I think I almost 
hate her, and as for him — say, Brent, can't you help me out? 

Brent. Help you — get rid of — the other fellow? 

Dupre. Exactly. It may not advance me in her good opinion, 
but it will be satisfaction all the same. 

Brent. Well, as you remarked, horse-racing is an expensive 
luxury. It has been to me lately, I know. Well, what is the 
delicate job worth? 

Dupre. I will give you a thousand dollars to get him out of 
the way, and another thousand the day that lady becomes Mrs. 
Dupre. 

Brent. I'll think it over. 

[Dupre takes Brent's arm, offers cigar. 



td The Prisoner of Andersonville 

DuPRi:. Come to the smoking-room and have a cigar. It may 
help you think. 

[Brent takes a cigar and they EXIT, l. 2. Quartet is 
heard, r. u. Sally ENTERS and listens to music, 
then turns to enter house. Charley ENTERS, r. u. 

Charley. Don't go in yet. 

Sally. Oh, I can't stay. They would notice my absence. 

Charley. Nonsense ! I won't keep you a minute. 

Sally. Oh, but you don't know what a tease Kate is. If she 
caught me out here with you 

Charley. I don't see why she should talk. {Arm around 
waist.) By Jove ! she's just as bad as any one, if she is a widow. 
{Down c.) 

Sally. That's just it. She takes everything so coolly. 

Charley. Even her cream. Look! {Points to door.) My 
sister is not very old, but she has had experience. 

Sally. I can't make out what caused her to marry her cousin. 

Charley. Nor I. But there, don't bother about her. I didn't 
ask you to stay out here to talk about my sister. 

Sally. I suppose you very much prefer talking about your 
sister's brother? 

Charley. Every time. {Tries to kiss her.) 

Sally. No ! No ! Charley, you must not. Some one would 
be sure to see you. Some other time 

Charley. Smother time? Why should I smother old Father 
Time? He don't bother me. Now or never. {Tries to kiss 
her.) 

Sally. No, I dare not! {Breaks away and is about to 
EXIT, l.) 

Charley. Sally? 

Sally. Well? {In doorway.) 

Charley. I suppose you know I go North to-morrow. 

Sally {comes back). To-morrow! {Anxiously.) 

Charley. To-morrow ! I said to-morrow ! 

Sally. Why, you never told me a word about it ! 

Charley. I was afraid. 

Sally. Afraid ? 

Charley. Afraid it might break your heart. 

Sally {cool). What possible effect could your absence have 
on my heart? 

Charley. Well, that's cool ! 

Sally. I find it rather warm. {Fans.) 

Charley. What's the matter now? What have I done? 



The Prisoner of AndersonvJlIe 19 

Sally. Oh, nothing! A gentleman pretends to care for a 
lady; tells her so a dozen times a day, then suddenly takes it into 
his head to run away three or four hundred miles and calls it — 
nothing ! 

Charley. Oh, I see now. 

Sally. I'm glad of that. I thought you we'-e getting blind. 

Charley. Now you are mad. 

Sally. Not quite insane, just yet. 

Charley. I mean you are angry because I did not tell you be- 
fore. Well, as I only received this telegram ten minutes ago, 
perhaps I am not so base a villain after all. {Hands telegram.) 

Sally {reads). "Come at once. Clarke goes to Europe. No 
one to take his place." Oh, bother the old telegram! {Throws 
it down.) 

Charley. Please don't bother my only chance of providing you 
with bread and cheese. 

Sally. Bread and cheese? 

Charley. And kisses, of course. ( Tries to kiss her; she won't 
let him.) 

Sally. And you really must go? 

Ch-^rley. I really must go. 

Sally. I do believe that you are glad to get away. 

Charley. Some. yes. Some, no. You see, Clarke is the right- 
hand man of the firm. He goes to Europe to establish another 
branch of the business. If he remains there I step into his shoes. 
See? 

Sally. What size does he wear? 

Charley. Oh, pshaw ! I mean figuratively. 

Sally. Sizes go by figures, don't they? Well? 

Charley. Of course, it's well. My salary is now one thousand 
dollars per annum. Clarke gets twenty-five hundred dollars. I 
can marry on that, and 

Sally. Oh, isn't that lovely ! 

Charley. Not half so lovely as {Kisses her.) 

Bingo ENTERS r. 2 with tray and drops it. 

Bingo. I seed you. I couldn't help it. {Picks up tray.) 

Sally. What do you mean, sir? 

Bingo. I seed you. 

Sally. You saw nothing, sir. Go into the house. 

[Bingo moves around toward door, back to audience. 
Charley {tries to kick him). Get out of this! 



20 The Prisoner of Andersonvillc 

ENTER Verley. 

Verley. What's the matter? What's the matter? 
Charley. Oh, nothing whatever. 
Sally. Bingo is very rude. 

Bingo (near door). I seed him kiss Missy Sally! I seed him! 

[EXIT into house, grumbling. 

Sally. Papa, it's disgraceful the license you allow that boy ! 
[EXIT mto house. Verley looks at Charley, who turns 
away. 

Verley. Charley, is this true? 

Charley (r.). I am afraid it is, sir. But you will allow me to 
explain? 

Verley (down r. to Charley). Well, come into the library. 
There, there, my boy, don't get nervous ! I know you are 
not a rich man, but you are Roger Preston's son, and we were 
boys together. (Turns to go.) 

ENTER Brent and Elliott excitedly, l. 2, followed by two or 
three others, and last, Dupre. Verley and Charley up r. 

Jack (r. ). Now, sir, that we are no longer near the ladies, 
repeat your insinuations if you dare. 

Brent (l.). Well, I do. I say you deliberately substituted 
the ace for the knave. I saw you distinctly and can swear to it. 

Jack. And I say you lie! (Makes as if to strike.)- 

Verley (down c). Elliott! Brent! What does this mean? 

Jack. Why, this man accuses me of cheating at cards ; of be- 
ing a common swindler. 

Verley. Nonsense ! Nonsense ! A mistake, without a doubt 
a mistake. Brent, you must apologize. 

Brent. I am not mistaken, and I will not apologize. (During 
the scene ladies and gentlemen appear and stand on veranda.) 

Verley. My dear sir ! His word against yours. The matter 
admits of no argument. This is my house. You have accused 
a friend of mine, an honorable man, of being a common blackleg. 
Unless you have other proof, I must insist upon an absolute with- 
drawal of your charge. Come, take my advice; recall unhappy 
words. 

ENTER Dupre, l., stands l. c. 

Brent. I have spoken the truth. 
Verley. But you have no proof. 



The Prisoner of Anderson ville 2i 

DuPRE. I regret to say that I was an accidental witness. I 
distinctly saw Mr. Elliott change the cards. 

Jack. This is a plot, a vile plot ! That man {points to Du- 
pre) has his reasons for trying to ruin me. 

Kate (l. c). I am sure of that. The idea of Mr. Elliott cheat- 



mg any one 



Verley (r. c). Hush, my dear! {Pushes her gently back.) 
Mr. Elliott, while regretting that this should have occurred, I 
cannot refuse to accept the statement made by both these gentle- 
men, as I have never had just cause to doubt them, and until the 
matter is cleared up, I must ask you to discontinue your visits 
here. 

Jack. Very well, sir. I will leave your house, but the day 
may come when you will regret this action. Until then, farewell. 
{Turns as if to go, r. i, but turns back.) Mrs. Preston, you do 
not credit this hateful charge? You do not believe me guilty? 
{Holds hand out. Kate moves toward him.) 

Verley. My child, it is not proper for you to act thus. 

Kate. Proper! And do you think I will allow propriety to 
drown all sense of justice? Has he ever to our knowledge com- 
mitted a dishonorable act? Never! Does he look like a man 
who would cheat at cards? No! He is a gentleman, a man of 
honor, true-blue, and / believe him. {Holds out right hand. Jack 
meets her c. and takes hand. Verley moves r.) 

Charley, Sally and Others. 
Verley. Dupre. Brent. 

Jack and Kate. 

QUICK CURTAIN. 



ACT II. 

SCENE. — Interior of Battery; wall or rampart Hve feet high 
across stage from r. 3 /o l. 3 ; landscape scene beyond it. 
Flagpole ten feet high at centre of rampart with Hag, close 
against the wall. Cannon l. on zvall, pointing r. Before cur- 
tain goes up one or two shots are heard. Mickey and Larry 
discovered looking out over rampart. 

Mickey (r. c). Give me your gun. {Takes Larry's gun and 



22 The Prisoner of Andersonvillc 

iires.) Bedad, if I didn't take the inquisitive nose off him that 
time may I never smell powder again. 

Larry (l. c). An' that same is mate and drink to you, Mickey. 

Mickey. It's hungry and thirsty I am watching thim rebels 
eight hours on a stretch. 

Larry. It's on a stretcher some of them are since ye began to 
watch them, Mickey. 

Mickey. Sure, an' isn't that just where they put our brave 
Colonel Verley? Bedad, I thought it was all up with him, but 
this morning I heard that decent white nagur, Bingo, say, says 
he, that the Colonel was able to sit up and drink a milk punch, 
houlding the glass in his own fist. 

Larry, An' may it put life into him. 

Mickey. It'll take more than a rebel bullet to put him under 
the sod. 

Larry. Sure, the regiment couldn't spare him. 

Mickey (whispers). But it could the other one. 

Larry. You mean Captain Dupre? 

Mickey. That same. 

Larry. They tell me that he was a Colonel in the rebel army, 

Mickey. He was that, and not so long ago. 

Larry. An' ye don't say? 

Mickey. An' I do. Ye see, about three months ago he leaves 
the rebel army and offers his services to fight for the North. 

Larry. The dirty turn-coat. 

Mickey. I don't trust him. An' talk of the divil ! (Both 
turn as to duty.) 

ENTER Dupre, l. 2. 

Dupre, Well, Sergeant, do you think it possible for us to hold 
the bridge if the enemy should discover how weak we are and 
come down upon us in a body? 

Mickey. An' how will they find that out, Captain, unless some 
one turns traitor? 

Dupre. True. We are well entrenched and completely hid- 
den. 

Mickey. Besides, the colored gentleman there (points to can- 
non L.) hasn't spoken yet, an' sure, he could sweep the bridge of a 
thousand of them. 

Dupre (looks at cannon, and aside). If I only dared spike 
that cannon! (ENTER Brent, l. 2.) Ah, Brent, just the man 
I want. The enemy have shifted their base. Send half a dozen 
sharpshooters to the upper window, and warn the ladies to keep 
below until the firing ceases. (Brent salutes and is about to 



The Prisoner of Andcfsonville 23 

EXIT.) Oh, by the way, Brent, one word more. (Takes his arm, 
whispers, and EXIT l. 2.) 

Mickey. "One word more." I wouldn't trust either of yez. 
(Shot is heard, bullet sips, Mickey's hat falls.) Ow-wow! but 
they're at it again. 

Larry. An' it's a bit of your hat that went that time. 

Mickey (picks up hat). An' that same new a week agone. 
(Looks over fortification, shakes fist at enemy.) Ye dirty black- 
guard, if I had yez here I'd (Zip and sound of rifle shot; 

Mickey drops hand.) Howly murther. but he had me that time! 

Larry. Ow-wow! Ow-wow! (Looks at Mickey's hand.) 
An' it's the finger that's gone. 

Mickey. Whist, no, there's the half of it left. (Tries to stop 
blood.) 

Larry. Be off wid ye to the doctor. 

Mickey. Is it me? Divil a bit. I'd stay here an' fight if they 
killed me. 

Larry. Mickey, there's only a few of us left. 

Mickey. Bad cess to it! (Fumbles with finger.) It's bleeding 
like a pig I am. 

ENTER Kate, l. 2. 

Larry. I'll fix it for you. (Looks at it.) Man! Man! Ye'd 
better go to the doctor. 

Kate. What is it? Mickey wounded? Let me see. (Ap- 
proaches. ) 

Mickey. Faith, ma'am, an' I couldn't ax a gentle lady, an' a 
Southern woman at that, to bind up a scratch on the hand of a 
poor Union soldier. 

Kate. Say, rather, one of her noblest defenders. Ah, Mickey, 
when a brave man is wounded a true woman forgets whether he 
wears the Northern blue or the Southern grey. (During this 
speech she tears her handkerchief in two and is binding wound.) 

Mickey. Bedad, it's the fine lady ye are, an' all the harm I 
wish ye is that ye could be born over again — and — further North. 
(Distant shouts and firing.) 

Larry (looking off r.). He's coming! »He's coming! 

Mickey. Is it the enemy? 

Larry. No, but one man, an' him riding like the very divil. 
(Sounds of approaching hoofs.) 

Mickey. If they don't hit him quick he'll get behind that 
clump an' he's safe. (Sounds of firing, and hoofs a little louder.) 

Kate. There, Mickey, go and find the doctor. 

Mickey. I'll go, but I'll be back. [EXIT l. 2. 



24 The Pfisonei* di Andersonville 

Kate (looking r.)- He must be the bearer of most important 
dispatches. Brave fellow. God preserve him ! 

Larry. Ye needn't pray for him, miss, he's out of the line of 
fire. (Firing ceases, horse hoofs very loud.) 

ENTER DuPRE, sees Kate, bows, but she takes no notice of him. 

DuPRE. Mrs. Preston, w^ill you not speak to me? Surely my 
punishment has been severe enough. 

Kate (crosses l. ), No punishment can be too severe for a 
coward, who by falsehood sent an honorable man to a living 
death. [EXIT l. 2. 

DuPRE (aside). Curse you! I'll find means to humble you 
yet. (Aloud.) A messenger, and in hot haste. I wonder what's 
up now? (Aside.) Happy thought; the main body is detained. 
I may yet find a reason to give up the bridge, and by so doing re- 
trieve myself in the eyes of General Lee. I cannot sustain this 
farce much longer. 

ENTER Jack Elliott, salutes Dupre. EXIT Larry, l. 3. 

DuPRE (l. c, laughs sarcastically). So this is Mr. Elliott, eh? 
Sergeant Elliott. Oh, well, though you were not very polite to 
me the last time we met, I'll not bear enmity. Come, shake hands 
and be friends. 

Jack (r. c). I should prefer not. (Tries to pass.) 

Dupre. Not so fast, my dear fellow. Remember that I am 
your superior officer and it is your duty to obey me. 

Jack. I am on special duty, and I do not recognize your au- 
thority. (Tries to pass.) 

Dupre. One moment. 

Jack. Stand aside. I am the bearer of important dispatches 
to Colonel Verley. 

Dupre. Give them to me. I will see that they are safely deliv- 
ered. 

Jack. No ! 

Dupre. Why not? 

Jack. Because, Victor Dupre, I do not trust you. 

Dupre. You don't trust me? Why? 

Jack. I have proof that you are a rebel spy! 

Dupre. What! (About to strike. Jack looks squarely at 
him. ) 

Jack. Be careful. Captain Dupre. If your memory serves you 
well, you ought to know you cannot bully me. 

Dupre. Don't be a fool. Surely you recognize this uniform? 



The Prisoner of Andersonvillc 25 

Jack. The uniform, yes ! The man, no ! 

DupRE. Give me the dispatches ! 

Jack. They are addressed to Colonel Verley. 

ENTER Mickey, l. 2. 

DuPRE. Give them to me ! 

Jack. My instructions were to deliver them to Colonel Ver- 
ley. 

DuPRE. Don't bandy words with me, fellow. I am Captain 
Dupre, and in command here. 

Jack. If you were General Grant himself, I would deliver 
them' only to Colonel Verley. 

Mickey. Good! {TyuvRt looks at him.) 

Dupre (aside). Obstinate brute! (Aloud.) Sergeant Free, 
show this man to Colonel Verley's quarters. 

[EXIT Mickey, l. Jack is about to follow. 

ENTER Kate, r. l. 3. 

Kate. Mr. Elliott, is it possible? Don't you know me? 

Jack. Mrs. Preston, you here? 

Kate. Where have you been? Why have you for years neg- 
lected old friends — friends who believed in your innocence? 

Jack. I cannot tell you all now. I have been abroad. (Du- 
pre looks on snecringly.) I did not return until some time after 
the war began. I have been very ill. 

Kate. Very ill? 

Jack. For months. 

Dupre (down l.). Your dispatches, sir, must be of great im- 
portance. You will pay dearly for this neglect of duty. Follow 
me! [EXIT, L. 2. 

Jack (to Kate). Do not be alarmed. He can do me no harm. 
Pardon me, another time. (Boivs and EXITS, l. 2.), 

Kate. Poor fellow ! What unkind fate again throws him in 
the pathway of his old enemy? Dupre can and will work him 
harm. His superior rank gives him the opportunity. Thank 
God ! the doctor thinks my uncle will soon be able to take com- 
mand again. 

ENTER Teena with Marjorie, l. 2. 

Kate. My darling! (Kisses her.) Why did you come here? 
Teena. The Colonel am busy, Missy. [EXIT Teena, l. 2. 



26 The Prisoner ol Andersonvillc 

Maggie. They turned me out of the room and they turned my 
doggie out, too. 

Kate. And where is doggie? 

ENTER Mickey, l. 2. 

Maggie. He is eating a big bone and wouldn't come. 

Mickey. Oh, she's a soldier, ma'am. The firing don't seem to 
scare her a bit. 

Kate. Are you sure there's no danger here, Mickey? 

Mickey. Divil a bit, unless you get up on top of the mound 
there, where I got hit awhile ago. Are yez going away to-night, 
ma'am ? 

Kate. No, Mickey. The house is perfectly secure, the Colonel 
says, only the upper story being at all visible to the enemy. They 
don't want the house. They desire to capture the bridge. 

Mickey. Oh, yes. 

Kate. Yes. 

Mickey. An' they'll not do that same. 

Kate. Their force is very much superior to ours, and they may 
destroy the bridge before the main body arrives. 

Maggie. Mamma, I'm awfully thirsty. 

Kate. Mickey will find you some water, dearest. Don't be 
afraid. Go with Mickey. 

Maggie. I'm not afraid, mamma. The bullets never hit any- 
body. 

Mickey. They must be Spanish bullets ! Listen to that, ma'am, 
listen to that ! She'll be carrying a sword presently. 

Maggie. Mickey, attention ! Left face ! (Music and drums 
heard.) Forward! March! (Mickey marches off, followed by 
Marjorie, l. 2.) 

Kate. Jack Elliott here. Poor fellow ! he must not, shall not 
remain. Dupre would make his life miserable. Dear Jack ! I 
believe I came near loving him once — what madness ! Yes, he 
had better go, for if he remained who knows what old dreams 
might return. Dear me! yes, he had better go. 

ENTER Jack, l. 2. 

Jack. Mrs. Preston. (Takes her hand.) 

Kate. Mr. Elliott! So soon? 

Jack. Too soon, apparently. (Drops her hand.) 

Kate. What makes you think so? 

Jack. / know it. 

Kate. You know it? How? 



The Prisoner of Andersonville 27 

Jack, Your eyes revealed it. You seemed afraid of me. 

Kate. Say, rather, afraid of myself. 

Jack. Yourself? You mean 

Kate. Do not ask me. I hardly know what I mean. Your 
appearance was so unlooked for. It is so long since I last saw 
you that 

Jack. That you had almost forgotten there was such a per- 
son in existence. (She looks reproachfully.) Forgive me. I 
should not have said that. 

Kate. We did not know if you were alive. You gave no 
sign. 

Jack. Why should I? Of what use could it have been? Who 
cared whether such an outcast as Jack Elliott even existed? 

Kate. I — cared. 

Jack. You cared? 

Kate. I believed you innocent. I believe so still. I liked 
you better than any man I had ever known. Therefore, I cared ! 

Jack. I am glad you did not forget. 

Kate. How could I? 

Jack. Every hour since I last saw you has been a torture to 
me, filled with rebellious murmuring against the fate that so 
cruelly forced me from the side of the woman I had learned to 
love. 

Kate. Hush ! You must not. 

Jack. I cannot help it. Think how long I have kept these 
feelings pent up in my breast. I ask for nothing in return, 
nothing but this : promise me that if I am ever freed from the 
disgrace that now overshadows me that you will listen to all I 
have to tell. (She does not answer, but turns away; pause.) You 
cannot? 

Kate. I do ! I do ! (Gives both her hands.) 

Jack. You hesitated. 

Kate. Do not doubt me. I (Aside.) If this goes on 

I shall certainly make a fool of myself. 



ENTER Bingo, l. 2., looks qui:;2ically at them. 

Bingo. De Massa, Colonel Verley, am done gone waiting for 
you, Missy Preston. (Jack drops Kate's hands.) 

Kate. Yes, perhaps I had better go. You will not leave 
without seeing me again. 

Jack. If you will permit it. If you think it well. (Takes her 
hand.) Yes, yes; the Colonel is waiting. You had better go 
at once. (Kate EXITS l. 2. ]ack looks after her.) No, no! 



28 The Pfisoner of Andefsonville 

'Tis worse than madness. Before I drag her down to my 
level, 'tis I who should go at once. [Turns, crosses, EXITS l. 2. 
Bingo (r. c, looking after him). Go at once. Dis yar's de 
second time you done gone and make love to Missy Preston ! Dat 
am Massa Elliott, dat cheated at cards. But he never cheated at 
no cards. I knows it. No gentleman ever did cheat at cards, and 
Massa Elliott alius was a gentleman. (Takes bottle out, stands 
with back to l. 2.) Massa Elliott, here's to yoh berry good 
health, sah. 

ENTER Mickey, l. 2, hits Bingo on the back. Bingo turns head 
over heels. ENTER Larry, l. 2. 

Bingo (r.). Foh de Lawd's sake, if I didn't think one ob dem 
cannon-balls done gone an' fetched me in de middle ob de back. 
Mickey. Out wid it, nagur ! 

[Bingo takes out bottle. 

Larry. Oh, the blackguard ! A whole pint of whiskey, an' 
him the only man houldin' it. 

Mickey. Nagur, give us a sup or I'll brain you. Shure, two 
mouths is better nor three when there's only a pint. {Takes 
bottle.) 

Bingo. Dat's my medicine for de cramps. 

Mickey, Yes, I have 'em bad. {Drinks.) 

Larry. Sure, I'm never widout 'em. {Takes bottle and 
drinks. Bingo looks on. Larry holds up bottle.) Here's to 
the gallant Seventh, the last in the Held and the first to leave it. 
{Drinks.) 

Mickey {taking bottle). Larry, you're wrong. Here's to the 
gallant Seventh. Equal to none! Now, Bingo, here's your bot- 
tle, an' hould on to it. An' as the enemy has retired in short or- 
der an' there's no fightin' to be done for awhile I'll do as I prom- 
ised and tache you how to handle a rifle, you poor, forlorn Ethi- 
opian ignoramus. Now, watch me while I tache you. {Goes 
through drill to quick music; afterward puts rifle in Bingo's 
hands and gives him commands, which Bingo executes awk- 
wardly. Mickey takes gun and pokes it at him.) 

ENTER Jack up l. 3. Bingo jumps l. and plumps down on 
Capt. Dupre's foot as he ENTERS l. 2. Dupre crosses l, c. 

Dupr6. Confound your black carcase! What the devil are 
you doing ? Take that, and that ! ( Whips him. ) 

Kate (ENTERS l. 3). Captain Dupre, what does this mean? 



The Prisoner of Andersonville 29 

DuPRE (c). It means that I am thrashing this cursed nigger 
for walking all over my feet. 

Kate (l. c). No, you are beating the poor boy because you 
know he cannot retaliate. You would not dare touch one of 
these men. (Points to others.) Remember, sir, that he is no 
longer a slave, but as free as yourself. 

Bingo. That's what I is. 

DuPRE. This is no place for you, Mrs. Preston. 

Kate. No place for me? Captain Dupre, I am an American 
woman, and can come and go as I please. 

Dupre. Well, if I want to lick a nigger I shall do as / please. 

Kate. If you must strike, you coward, strike me. (Dupre 
makes for BinCo. Kate stands in his way. Dupre pushes her 
out of way; strikes at Bingo. Jack enters quickly and knocks 
him down. Kate up stage.) 

Kate {down, hand on Jack's arm). Mr. Elliott, what have 
you done? 

Jack. The only thing there was to do. 

Dupre (r., rises, a little dazed). Sergeant Free, arrest that 
man ! 

Mickey {up c). I'll be damned if I do ! 

Dupre. Sergeant Free, did you hear me? 

Mickey. Sure, Captain, I didn't (aside) want to hear ye. 

Dupre. Arrest that man! 

Mickey (hand on Jack's shoulder, loud voice). Yez are un- 
der arrest. (Aside.) More power to yez, why didn't ye kill 
him? 

ENTER Teena, l. 2. 

Teena. Oh, Missy Preston ! Missy Preston ! Miss Mar- 
jorie 

Kate. What of her? Where is she? 

Teena. She done gone get away from the house. Missy Pres- 
ton, an' she's down near de bridge. 

All. The bridge ! 

Kate. The bridge! My God! They may commence firing 
again. (Larry and Mickey are now looking over rampart.) 

Dupre. Sergeant Free, take that man to the guard house. 

Mickey. The divil a bit while the child's in danger. 

Jack (now looking over wall. Firing commences). She is 
making for the open ground, and must soon be in the line of 
fire. (Bullet whistles, shot is heard.) 

Kate. My baby is in danger. I will go to her. 

Jack. Stay here. You could do no good. This way is the 
shortest. I will go this way. 



30 The Prisoner of Andersonville 

Mickey (holds Jack). The other way may be the longest 
'round, but you'll catch her before she gets to the open. (Strug- 
gle.) 

Jack. But I might be too late. This is the way for me. 
(Mounts flagpole.) 

DuPRE. Stop, sir! Let somebody else go. You are under 
arrest for striking your superior officer. 

Jack (on rampart). When an innocent child is in danger, 
damn my superior officer! (Jumps over from wall.) 

DuPRi. Return, or I will fire upon you! (Draws pistol.) 

Kate (between Dupre and wall). You could not! You dare 
not! 

Dupre (r., furiously). He has broken his arrest! Fire upon 
him ! 

Mickey (fumbles with gun). I would, Captain, but my finger 
is that nervous I can't find the trigger. 

Kate, You coward ! You miserable coward ! 

Dupre. Fire! Fire! I command you! 

Colonel Verley ENTERS l. 2, leaning on a cane. 

Verley. And I forbid! The man who lifts a hand against 
that gallant fellow must answer to me. 

Mickey. Oh, Colonel darling ! when the Captain told me to 
fire I couldn't raise me gun. It weighed a ton. 

Larry (looking over wall). Bedad, he's down! They've hit 
him. No, he's up again and running like the divil. Oh, the 
darling ! 

Verley. Dupre, what does this mean? 

Dupre. He struck me and I ordered him arrested. (Crosses i..) 

Verley (l. c). Even so, he's risking his life to save a little 
child, and you would have prevented it. Leave me, sir. You 
are neither a soldier nor a man. 

Larry. She's out in the open. Sure, they can't hit her, ma'am. 
She's too small. 

Kate. My baby ! My baby ! 

Mickey. Bedad, she's running to meet him ! 

Larry. He has her! He has her! An' now he's coming 
back. Sure he must be hit, for he runs hard. 

Mickey. Oh, the blackguards ! firing at him, the hero that 
he is. Wow ! but he nearly went that time. It's crazy he is to 
come back the same way, an' the bullets raining so thick. 

Larry (to Kate). Don't ye cry. He's the boy that'll bring 
her back safe to you. (Firing ceases.) 

Mickey. Good luck to him. It's an Irishman he ought to be. 



The Prisoner of Anderson villc 3 J 

Verley. The firing has ceased. They have seen her, and 
rebels though they are, they scorn to fire upon a little child ! 

Kate. They are my countrymen, fighting to the death for their 
rights. Rebels if you will, but they are men, and will not harm 
my little Marjorie. (Faint cheers heard as from enemy.) Hark! 
They are cheering him ! 

Mickey. Good for yez, Johnny rebs. Yez are all gintlemen, 
every one of yez. (Loud cheering in and around Battery.) 
Kate. Where is she? Where is my baby? 

[Jack appears on Battery. Mickey takes child from him 

and hands her to Kate. Jack falls c, arm around 

flagpole. Loud cheers all over Battery till curtain. 

CURTAIN. 



ACT. III. 

SCENE. — A parlor, with door at c. Garden or landscape drop 
at rear. Desk (or table) near r. 2. Fancy chairs near table. 
Large chair just behind it, but none left of table. Sofa near 
L. Two chairs r. and l. of door c. Basket down c. Kate, 
Marjorie, Larry and Mickey discovered all looking at Mar- 
jORiE^s pet dog in basket, Kate and Marjorie behind it. 

Mickey (who has been kneeling near dog). He's dead, ma'am. 
Bad luck to the blackguard that killed him, say I. (Looks at 
dog again.) Faith, he's dead as Brian Boru. 

Maggie. No, Mickey, he's only asleep. He often lies down like 
that. 

Kate. How did it all happen? 

Mickey. The divil a bit do I know, ma'am. Sure, yesterday 
we couldn't find him at all, and to-day I was forninst the fort 
there, keeping my eye open an' my gun ready for a stray Johnny 
reb, when who should walk up on three legs and looking like a 
hencoop in a hurricane but the poor bit of a dog there. There 
he stands an' looks me in the face wid a look that would go to 
your heart, an' he sez 

Larry. Did he spake? 

Mickey (looking at him zvith disgust). An' he sez, Mickey, 
I'm done for. 

Maggie. Look, mamma ! I saw him move ! 



32 The Pfisonei* of Andersonville 

Mickey. Divil a move. An' with that he makes a spring at 
me as if he'd like to kiss me good-bye. 

Larry. An' he did that? 

Mickey. An' he did. Then I stoops down an' he kisses me on 
the cheek just as humanlike as you plaze. 

Larry. An' then dies? 

Mickey. An' then dies ! 

Larry. Sure, the dog was poisoned. 

Mickey. Then he laid down on his side and never said an- 
other word. {Looks defiantly at Larry.) I then lifted him up 
in me arms and brings him here. 

Maggie. Mamma, can't I wake him? 

Kate. No, dear. Your little doggie is dead. He must have 
been shot by a stray bullet, Mickey. 

Mickey Sure, it was more than one bullet that hit him, ma'am. 
(Shows bullet.) An' this bullet here didn't come from a rebel 
rifle, but from a revolver that was fired near by. 

Kate. You mean that he was shot by one of our own men? 

Mickey. Divil a one of our own men. There's not one that 
would do it. 

Larry. They all loved him like a brother. 

Kate. If not one of the men, whom do you suspect? 

Mickey. Sure, ma'am, you might guess. There's only one 
man here would do it. 

Kate. I cannot believe he would be so base ! Mickey, you 
must be mistaken. 

Mickey. Maybe I am — not! 

Maggie (tearfully). Won't my little doggie play with me any 
more, mamma? 

Kate. No, dear. He is dead. There, there, don't cry, and 
some day mamma will buy you another little doggie. Don't cry, 
darling. 

Maggie (bravely). No, mamma, I won't cry, because you told 
me that all good people go to Heaven when they die, and my 
little doggie was very good; so when I die I shall go there and 
see him, won't I, mamma? 

Kate. Yes, dear, if you are good you will go to Heaven. 
Come now, come with mamma. 

Maggie (gives hand to mamma). Good-by, my little doggie. 
I am not going to cry, mamma, because (little sob) he was a 
good little doggie. I won't cry (sob), but oh, mamma! he was 
such a nice little doggie (sob). He used to play (sob) with me, 
and now I won't see (sob) him any (sob) more. (Kate leads 
her off L. 2, crying loudly. As they EXIT Larry and Mickey look 
at each other.) 



The Prisoner of Andersonville 33 

Larry, I feel like crying meself. (Snivels.) 

Mickey. It's soft-hearted ye are ; but yez are young yet. 
When ye' re a man grown yez'll be hard like me. Bad scran to 
the man that killed the poor little divil. If I had him by him- 
self I'd scrape the nose off him wid me fist. I'd — (snivels) I'd— 
I'd 

Larry. Yez are crying yerself. 

Mickey. Ye're a liar ! 

Larry. Sure, I saw the water coming out of yer eyes. 

Mickey. 'Twas preserpiration. I'm that warm. 

Larry. Mickey, ye have a tender heart with all yer brave 
talk. 

Mickey. Give yer mouth a chance an' we'll go bury the dog. 

Larry. We'll bury him just forninst the bridge. (Slow march 
played as they go up, Mickey carrying basket, and pause in c. d.) 
Mickey, ye hav a tender heart. I saw ye cry. 

Mickey. Ye're a liar! 

[EXEUNT c. D. L. 



ENTER Kate and Sally, d. l. 3. 

Kate (looks around). Why, they have taken him away al- 
ready. Poor Marjorie ! Her little heart was broken. 

Sally (looking d. c. r.). Here comes Captain Dupre. I think 
I shall retire. 

Kate. Ditto. 

Sally (still looking). Wait a moment. He has stopped to 
talk to Brent. It's all right. They are going back. 

Kate. Thank Heaven! I could not have met him just now. 
Mickey thinks he shot Maggie's dog. 

Sally. The brute ! I hardly believed it possible for me to 
really hate any one, but I do think I have a very healthy hatred 
for that man. 

Kate. Hatred is vulgar, dear. Don't encourage the feeling. 
We shall soon be rid of him at any rate. Dispatches received by 
Colonel Verley this morning point to the early return of our 
own second-in-command, Major Reynolds, who has been absent, 
you know, on sick leave. 

Sally. Which means exit Captain Dupre. Thank goodness, 
for the credit of the South he is not a typical Southerner ! 

Kate. Typical, indeed ! No. Whatever their faults may 
be, contemptible meanness is not one of them. 

Sally. It seems impossible to me that such men can belong 
to the same race as Grant! Sherman! Sheridan! What splendid 



34 The Prisoner of 'Andersonville 

fellows they are ! Brave and true always, almost godlike in 
their devotion to duty and the cause for which they fight. 

Kate. Noble men, truly ; none can dispute it. Worthy of all 
praise. But for me, born and bred in the South, there can be 
but one ideal. Give me that man among men, the gallant sol- 
dier, the pride of chivalry, the Bayard of the South, Robert E. 
Lee! 

[During this speech Maggie has entered unobserved and 
stands listening, c. d. 

Maggie. That's what I say. Give me Robert E. Lee. He's 
just my style. (Slaps her knee.) 

Sally (rushing and taking her in her arms). Why, you little 
rebel, where did you come from? Mamma told me she left you 
crying for your little doggie. 

Maggie. I did cry for him ; but Bingo says he knows where 
he can get me a more heautifuller one. 

Kate. More beautiful, dear. 

Maggie. Bingo said more heautifuller, mamma, and he knows. 

Sally (to Kate). You see, dear, you don't know everything. 

[EXIT D, L., hugging Marjorie. 

ENTER Verley, c. d. l. 

Kate (r.). Well? 

Verley (c). He will be here in a moment. Now I don't 
just approve of your being present, but 

Kate. You could not be so cruel as to say "no." Remember, 
he saved my child. 

Verley. Brave fellow, yes ! T like him, Kate. In spite of 
all, I like him. 

Kate. So do I. 

Verley. Yes, I believe you do, foolish girl. 

Kate. Why foolish? Did you not just confess you liked him 
in spite of all? 

Verley. Yes, but that's different, you see. 

Kate. No, sir, I don't and I won't see. If you like him there 
can't be anything wrong in my liking him, an — I can't help it, 
indeed I can't. 

Verley. Oh, well, that settles it. I haven't another word to 
say. (Down l.) 

ENTER Jack and Mickey, c. d. l. Mickey stays c. d, 

Verley. Elliott, I have sent for you to tell you that I have 



The Prisoner of Andersonville 35 

prepared a full statement of all that has occurred, and to-morrow 
a special messenger shall bear it to headquarters. 

Kate. Let me be that special messenger. 

Jack. Mrs. Preston, no. I would not hear of such a thing. 

Verley. No, my dear. I admire your courage, but the risk 
would be too great. 

Kate. Did he think of the risk when my child was in danger? 

Mickey. The divil a bit. 

Verley (looks sharply at Mickey). Sergeant Free! 

Mickey. Yes, sir! (Looks out c. d.) 

Verley. One of the men will do as well, my dear, for no time 
must be lost. 

Kate. I would appeal to General Grant myself. He would 
not refuse my prayer. 

Verley. Elliott was decidedly in the right, and coupled with 
his gallant conduct, I have every reason to hope for the best. 

Mickey (down l.). Sure, Colonel, he's always up to some 
divil-me-care trick. Ask him about the regimental colors a 
month ago. 

Verley. That will do. Sergeant. 

Mickey (salutes). Yes, sir. (Turns away c. d.) 

ICate. Mr. Elliott! Jack! Tell us all about it. 

Jack. Oh, it was a mere nothing. 

Mickey (aside). Listen to the lying divil. 

Jack. Only a matter of duty. Any one would have done as 
much. 

Mickey (aside). But they didn't. 

Verley. What were the circumstances, Sergeant Elliott? 

Jack. Well, you see, during the fight at the ridge a Sergeant 
who carried the colors was shot down, and one of the enemy was 
bearing them off. 

Mickey (excitedly, coming dozvn). One of them! There was 
three! 

Verley. Sergeant Free! 

Mickey (salutes). Yes, sir. (Retires to c, d.) 

Verley (to Jack). Well? 

Jack. And I recovered them. You see, there was nothing ex- 
traordinary in the affair. 

Verley. Well, you had to fight for them. 

Jack. Oh, yes; for a few moments there was a little fuss. 

Mickey (aside). A little fuss! (Comes down.) Colonel, I 
can't stand it, sir. I must speak or I'll bust. 

Verley. Some other time. 

Kate. Let him tell us. He seems to know more about it than 
Mr. Elliott is willing to tell. (Jack down r., near K.\te.) 



36 The Prisoner of Andersonville 

Verley. Very well, go on, Sergeant. 

Mickey. If ever there was a hero outside an Irishman, there 
he stands. Ye see, sir, it was this way. The battle had been 
raging hot and heavy. Colonel Fordyce and a body of Sheri- 
dan's cavalry had been forced to — to turn back for a few moments. 

Verley. You mean retreat. 

Mickey. No, sir! Sheridan's cavalry never retreat. 

Jack. Not very often, Mickey, but they came pretty near it 
that time. 

Mickey. Pretty near, but not quite. Colonel Fordyce was 
anxiously surveying the fields, when suddenly, not more than 
two hundred yards away, he observed three of the enemy in hot 
pursuit of the man who bore aloft the colors of his regiment. 
Some one else near him saw the danger. "Can I go?" he shouted. 
"You can," says the Colonel, and he was off like the wind, but be- 
fore he could get there down went the colors. 

Verley. They captured them? 

Mickey. Aye. But before they knew it a whirlwind was upon 
them. Cut and thrust, parry and feint. Three against one. But 
that one had an eye as steady as a rock an' an arm like steel, an' 
he was fighting for the honor of his regiment. Three against 
one, but it was all over in quick time. The old flag was saved, 
and there's the man that saved it. (Kate grasps Jack's hand.) 

Verley. A splendid deed ! 

Jack. I only did my duty, sir. 

Mickey (aside). That's a man as modest as meself. (Up c.) 

Verley (crosses to Jack). Sergeant Elliott, you have won 
my sympathy and admiration. Your country will not forget 
you. (Shakes hands.) 

Jack. I thank you, sir, for your kindly feeling. Mrs. Pres- 
ton [Bows, EXITS c. D. l. with Mickey. 

Verley (l.). A noble fellow. Egad! if my request is refused 
I'll go and plead his cause in person. 

Kate (r.). And you'll take me, won't you, you dear old 
uncle? 

Verley. I don't know, my dear. I have heard that our 
Commander-in-Chief thinks that home is the proper place for the 
ladies. 

Kate. That's because he is jealous of us. 

Verley (laughs). That's it. That's it. He declares that just 
as soon as an officer falls in love he might as well throw up his 
commission. 



The Pfisonef of AncJefsonville 37 

ENTER Mickey, c. d. l. 

Mickey. A messenger, Colonel, with special dispatches. (Hands 
dispatches. ) 

Verley. News from the front ! Ah ! Richmond has fallen. 

Kate. Oh, I hope not ! 

Verley. Young lady, do you remember where you are? 

Kate. Uncle, my mother was a Southern woman. 

Verley. But your father was one of our bravest officers. 

Kate. And he lies buried in a Southern grave. 

Verley. Remember at whose hands he perished, and pray for 
the fall of Richmond so that others you love may be spared to 
you. [EXIT, arm around her, c. d. l. 

Mickey (looks after them). No wonder the boys all love 
her, even though her heart is with the South. There ain't many 
like her this side of Heaven. (Turns to go.) 

ENTER DuPRE, c. d. r. 

DuPRE (down L.). What's the matter. Sergeant? 

Mickey. News from the front. (Going.) 

Dupre. What about? 

Mickey. Sure, sir, I couldn't see inside the envelope. (Go- 
ing.) 

Dupre. What did the Colonel want with Elliott? 

Mickey. I think he sent for him just to shake hands with 
him. 

Dupre. Shake hands with him ! 

Mickey. The same as one brave man will shake hands with 
another brave man. 

Dupre. Is he a brave man? 

Mickey. None braver. 

Dupre. You seem to think highly of him? 

Mickey. There are others. 

Dupre. You mean the men here. 

Mickey. And the women. 

Dupre. Oh, some women are soft. 

Mickey. I have observed that most women admire a brave 
man! 

Dupre. Some men have the opportunity thrust upon them. 

Mickey. Yes, and they grasp the opportunity 

Dupre. While others? 

Mickey. Look the other way. That is. when there's any 
danger. 



38 The Pfisonef of Andersonville 

DuPRE. You seem to admire him greatly, yet I heard you tell 
Lacy that at one time he served a term in prison. 

Mickey. Oh, did you hear that? Did he tell you where? 

DupRE. No. I don't care to talk to jail birds. 

Mickey. Jail birds? 

DuPRE. Jail birds! 

Mickey (aside). He's on the wrong track. (To Dupre.) 
Captain, there's many an innocent man goes to jail, and many 
a damned scalawag stays out! [EXIT c. d. r. 

Dupr6. Damn his impudence! (Noise heard r.) Ah, a pris- 
oner. By heavens, it's Preston ! 

[EXIT c. D. r. Nearly knocks down Bingo, who EN- 
TERS hurriedly c. d. r. 

Bingo. Missy Sally! Missy Sally! (ENTER Sally d. l. 3-) 
He am here. Missy Sally. 

Sally. Who, Bingo? 

Bingo (down r.). He am here, Missy Sally. They have done 
gone and took him prisoner. 

ENTER Teena hurriedly, d. r. c. 

Teena (up r.). Oh, Missy, they's took him! They'se took 
him shuah. 

ENTER Kate d. l. 3. 

Kate. Who, child, who? 

Teena (looking scared and off r.). They'se took him pris- 
oner. 

Kate. Are you both crazy? 

Sally (looking off r.). Why, here's Charley, your brother, 
and they are bringing him this way. 

Bingo. That's it, Missy. They's done gone and cotched him. 

Kate. Why is he here? What could have happened? Surely 
he has not run such a risk just to see you. 

Bingo (r.). They done take some papers away from him. 

Teena (r. c). They was sewed up in his coat. 

Bingo. I seed 'em do it. 

Teena. Dey jes' rip de coat open and spoil de coat. 

Bingo. An', Missy Preston, he fight like de berry debbil, an' 
dey had to hit him ober de head to keep him quiet so dey could 
take de papers away. 

Teena. Dat's what dey did. 

Sally (l. c). Oh, the brutes. 



The Prisoner of AncJersonville 39 

Kate (l.)- My poor, foolish brother. 

Sally. What does it all mean? 

Kate. It means, my dear, that he has been captured while 
carrying dispatches. 

Sally. Will they shoot him? (Bingo looks oif c. a r.) 

Kate. Not unless he was a spy. 

Sally. A spy, indeed ! Charley never could be so mean. 

Kate. There's nothing mean about it. It's part of a soldier's 
duty to find out what the enemy is doing. 

Bingo. Dar he is, Missy. Dey is bringin' him right dis way. 
(Down R.) 

ENTER DuPRE, c. d. r., and crosses down l. ENTER Preston, 
D. r. c, somewhat dazed and bleeding, guarded by Mickey. 
They stand c. Sally and Kate retire up l. Dupre down l. 

DuPRE. Place him in the south room. Keep him under strict 
guard until further orders. 

Preston. You do this? You, an officer of the Confederate 
Army! Oh, I forgot. Pardon me. I hardly know what I am 
saying. I forgot you had changed the color of your coat. 

Dupre. You will find it greatly to your benefit to change 
yours. 

Preston. Never ! 

Dupre. You may change your mind. A prison cell is. not the 
most enjoyable thing in life. Liberty, my boy, is sweet. 

Preston. To me, honor is sweeter. I would not change this 
ragged coat of gray for yours to save my life. No true South- 
ern heart could ever beat beneath the Northern blue. 

Bingo. Bully for you, Massa Preston! (Dupre looks angry 
a moment, then turns away.) 

Teena (pulls Bingo back). Shet yoh mouf, yoh fool niggah! 

Dupr6 (aside). Don't judge too hastily. I may be able to 
help you. (To soldiers.) Place him under guard and report 
to me. [EXIT l. i. 

Kate. Charley! (Down to Preston.) 

Sally. Charley! (Down to Preston.) 

Charley. Sally ! Sister ! 

Kate. What madness is this? 

Charley. I was carrying dispatches from Lee to Johnston. 
Ride which way I would there seemed to be nothing but Federal 
soldiers. Twice I narrowly escaped capture, then I made a de- 
tour, hoping to avoid them, only to find myself near the bridge 
and completely hemmed in. 

Sally. But you are wounded. 



40 The Pfisoner of Andeisonville 

Charley. Oh, that is nothing. The surgeon will soon fix 
that. (Mickey taps him on shoulder.) All right, sir. I am 
with you. 

Kate. We will see Colonel Verley at once. 

Charley. It will do no good. He can do nothing. 

Sally (aside). You are not a spy, are you? They did not 
catch you spying? You won't be shot? 

Charley. Well, I hope not. 

Sally (drawing deep breath). Oh, I am so glad you won't be 
shot. 

Charley. So am I. It isn't pleasant. No, the worst they 
can do is to hold me prisoner. (Mickey again taps him on shoul- 
der.) I must go. 

Sally. We will see you as often as we can — as often as papa 
will permit. (Moves as if to kiss him. He looks at Mickey.) 

Charley. Not now ! Remember, I am only a rebel ! 

Sally. I don't care if you were a hundred rebels, so there ! 
(Kisses him.) 

[EXIT Charley, c. d. l. Teena stands with hack to 
Mickey. Mickey hugs her and quick exit. Bingo 
is mad, hut Teena pacifies him. 

Kate. I am not quite sure you did the proper thing then. 

Sally. / am quite sure. 

Kate, Now, to see the Colonel. Something must be done. 

Sally. He will at least allow us to talk to the poor fellow, 
will he not? 

Kate. Perhaps ! I am not sure. You see, it may not be ex- 
actly the rule. 

Sally. Then we must persuade him this is the exception. 

[EXIT D. l. 3- 

Bingo. Dis am de debbil. Massa Elliott a prisoner an' Massa 
Preston a prisoner. (Drum taps are heard u, then bugle call.) 
Dar's somefin' goin' on. (Looks off c. d. l.) 

Teena (looks off c. d. l.). Dar's somefin' goin' on, shuah. 

Bingo. An' dis yar niggah is goin' foh to see. [EXIT c. d. "l. 

Teena (looking after him). Dat is the purlitest niggah I eber 
did see. When we is married I'll teach him foh to leave a lady 
in distress. (Looks off l. Drums and bugle call.) Um ! 
um ! but dar's somefin' goin' on. (Looks quickly.) Foh de 
Lawd's sake, if dat dar black rascal ain't a-talkin' to dat yaller 
trash Liza. Dar's somefin' goin' on, an' I is goin' to know what 
dat somefin' is. Look out dar, yoh yaller trash ! Look out dar, 
yoh false, deceibin' man! I'se a-comin'. [EXIT c. d. l. 



The Prisoner of Anderson ville 41 

ENTER Verley, d. l. 3, followed by Sally. 

Verley. It's utterly impossible, my dear, for me to give you a 
decided answer just nov/. Matters of the utmost importance re- 
quire my immediate attention. 

Sally. Very well. (Tunis to go, turns.) Can he take din- 
ner with us? 

Verley. I doubt if he would care to just at present. Besides, 
you should not take such an interest in a man who is an enemy 
to our cause. 

Sally. But, papa, I am engaged to him. 

Verley. That, my child, is a thing of the past. The less said 
about it the better. 

Sally. But I gave him my word. 

Verley. I tell you it is impossible. There, there, I know all 
you would say. Run away now, for I expect the officers here 
immediately. (She turns away, pouting.) Come, come, no tears. 
To-morrow I will see what can be done. 

Sally (runs and kisses him). Oh, I knew you could do some- 
thing. 

Verley. I did not say so. I do not see how it is possible. 

Sally. But you'll try? 

Verley. To-morrow. 

Sally (going). To-morrow. (Sighs.) Oh, dear, that seems 
as far off as Christmas. But, papa 

Verley. There! there! (Sits behind table, r.) 

Sally. Oh ! [Pouts and EXITS, d. l. 3- 

Verley (calls Mickey). Sergeant Free! 

ENTER Mickey, c. d. l. Verley writes. 

Verley. Ah, Sergeant, just the man I wanted. How's the 
finger ? 

Mickey. Oh, the stump, Colonel? 

Verley. Eh ? 

Mickey. It's all right, Colonel — that is, what's left of it. 

Verley. Take this order. Escort the prisoner Elliott here at 
once. 

Mickey. Yes, sir. [Salutes and EXITS, c. d. l. 

Verley (reading paper). A very fortunate thing for him. I 
am glad of it, very glad indeed. Dupre acted like a cur. (EN- 
TER Brent, c. d. l. Goes l.) Ah, Brent, you are prompt. I hope 
the rest will not keep us waiting. (ENTER two officers, c. d. r., 
salute, then go r.) Gentlemen. (Returns salute. ENTER Du- 
pre, L. I.) Ah, Captain, glad you have come. These dispatches 



42 The Prisoner of Andersonvillc 

are of more importance than I first thought. It is necessary they 
should be conveyed to General Grant at once. All here now, I 
believe. No, all but Lieutenant Grey. 

Grey (enters, c. d. l.). Here, Colonel. (Down r.) 

ENTER Mickey and Elliott, c. d. l. Colonel does not see 
him, as he is reading. Elliott, c. Mickey, l. c. 

DuPRE (l., to Jack). If you desire to see Colonel Verley you 
had better choose some other time. You may retire. 

Mickey (dryly). He is here by the Colonel's orders. 

DuPRE. The Colonel's orders? 

Verley (looking up). Yes. yes. Dupre, that is all right. Be- 
fore we go into the matter of the captured dispatches I have some 
other business of importance to transact. Sergeant Free, you 
may go, but remain within call. (Mickey salutes.) 

Mickey (aside). I'll go. but I'll remain within — hearing. 

[EXIT, c. D. l. 

Verley. Elliott, step forward. (Elliott advances a step and sa- 
lutes.) Gentlemen, you are all aware, of course, that the prisoner 
is under arrest for striking Captain Dupre. his superior officer. 
Speaking from a moral point of view, it is my opinion that he 
was justified in so doing. No man, whether he wears a uni- 
form or not, can stand idly by and fail to protect a woman in 
distress. It is an undisputed fact that Captain Dupre permitted 
his temper to get the better of his judgment. This is to be re- 
gretted. Notwithstanding the fact, however, that Elliott was 
morally justified in acting as he did. it is also certain that his 
conduct was prejudicial to Military Discipline. When a private 
soldier strikes his superior, except in self-defence, he renders him- 
self liable to severe punishment, extending even to the death 
penalty. But did he strike his superior ofUcer? If these papers 
are to be relied upon, and they undoubtedly are, it would seem 
that he did not. (All look surprised.) The offence was com- 
mitted on the seventh day of April. I hold here a communica- 
tion which informs me that for gallant conduct in the field Ser- 
geant John Elliott was on the fifth day of April appointed Cap- 
tain in the United States Army.'! Therefore, on the day he struck 
Captain Dupre he was, by virtue of this document, the Military 
equal of the man he chastised. (Elliott, l. c. Colonel, r. c.) 
Here, sir, is your commission. 

Jack. I have done nothing to deserve this. 

Verley. The devil you haven't. Well, sir, General Grant is 
of a different opinion. (All the officers except Brent and Du- 
pre congratulate him. Verley crosses l.) 



The Pfisonef of Andcrsonvillc 43 

Verley (aside to Dupre). I feel sure, Dupre, that you will 
bear no malice toward this man. 

Dupre. Oh. it does not matter. We are not likely to be to- 
gether long. What we can't cure, you know, Colonel. 

Verley. You seem to hate him. 

Dupr6. Perhaps. 

Verley. Bad. Bad! (Turns to officers.) Now, gentlemen, 
all your attention once more. (Elliott turns to go.) Remain, 
Captain Elliott. It is entirely within my province to release you 
on parole pending the action of the President, and this concerns 
you as well as the rest. These papers were taken from the per- 
son of Lieutenant Preston, an officer in the rebel army. They con- 
tain information of the utmost importance from General Lee to 
General Johnston, and it is necessary that they should be placed 
in the hands of General Grant at the earliest possible moment. 
Now, who volunteers to perform this dangerous errand. 

All. I do. 

Verley (surprised). You all spoke, I know, yet it seemed as 
though I heard but one voice. 

Elliott. It was but one voice, sir, the voice of duty. 

Verley. Well, well, you can't all go. 

Dupr6 (zvho has been whispering to Brent). As the senior 
in rank here. I think I am entitled to the honor. 

Verley. Well, I suppose that would be the easiest way to set- 
tle the matter. (About to hand papers.) 

Jack. One moment, Colonel. But a short time ago Captain 
Dupre was an officer in the rebel army. I have reason to believe 
that once in his hands those papers would never reach General 
Grant. 

Dupre. This is an outrage. I have sworn allegiance to the 
United States. Colonel Verley, you will not permit this insult 
to go unpunished? 

Verley. No, no. Elliott, you have made a very grave charge, 
and I must ask for more definite information. 

Jack. Though I should for certain reasons have preferred to 
wait, I can no longer keep silent. Colonel Verley, you are not 
likely to forget the seventh day of Alarch. On that day a small 
force under your command, and acting under orders from Gen- 
eral Sheridan, proceeded up the James River to New Market. 
Your mission was to destroy the banks and locks of the canal. 
Your command was surprised by the enemy in overwhelming 
numbers and nearly cut to pieces. You were terribly wounded 
and barely escaped with your life. Treachery was then suspected. 
It has since been proved. 

Verley. Proved? How, man, how? 



44 The Prisoner of ^ndersonviUe 

Jack (r.). Less than ten days ago two of the men who took 
part in the attack were taken prisoners. They were afterward 
overheard discussing the affair. They gave the name of the man 
whose information led to the disaster. The name of this traitor 
who had sworn allegiance to the United States was Captain Vic- 
tor Dupre ! 

DuPRE (l.). You lie! (Draws sword on Jack. Verley 
crosses swords with him. Picture.) 

Verley (c). Captain Dupre; you have drawn your sword 
against an unarmed man. There can be no justification for it 
but your entire innocence of this charge. 

Dupre. Where are the men who gave this extraordinary in- 
formation ? 

Jack. Prisoners of war with Colonel Fordyce, and within 
thirty miles of this place. 

Dupre. Within thirty miles, but not here. (Laughs.) You 
see, Colonel, an utterly impossible story and without any proof. 

Jack. Colonel Verley, I stake my life on the truth of what I 
have said, and I believe that I speak for all when I say that these 
dispatches should not be entrusted to that man. 

Verley. Gentlemen, I leave it to you. Shall Captain Dupre 
bear these dispatches to General Grant or not? 

Officers. No. (Very strong.) 

Verley. Captain Dupre, though I cannot without some cor- 
roboration take any steps toward placing you under arrest, you 
must see that it is impossible for me to give these papers into 
your charge. Gentlemen, you all seem so anxious for the honor 
it is somewhat hard for me to decide. 

Grey. Let us draw lots. 

Verley. I think that would be the fairer way. Let me see, 
there are seven of you. Well, here are seven blanks. (Tears 
papers quickly.) One of them I mark with a cross. (Places 
paper in hat. They draw.) 

Vernon. Blank. Just my luck! 

Grey. Blank. I knew it! 

Brent. Blank. Never expected to get it ! 

Elliott (draws paper with cross, smiles.) 

Brent. Of course ! I knew he'd get it. Such luck, and twice 
in one day ! Captain Elliott must have been born under a lucky 
star. 

Jack. You think so? (Looks straight at Brent.) 

Colonel, l. Jack, r. 

Dupre, up c. 



The Prisoner of Andersonville 45 

Brent. So it would appear. 

Verley. Here, sir, are the dispatches. Guard them with your 
life. 

[As Elliott is about to take them Dupre steps between. 

DuPRE. Without wishing to belittle Captain Elliott's courage, 
it seems to me that such important papers should only be en- 
trusted to a man with an honorable record. (Crosses l. quickly.) 

Jack (starts to strike Dupre). Captain Dupre! 

Verley. One moment, Elliott. (To Dupre.) I think I un- 
derstand what you mean. 

Dupre. Four years ago this man — I beg pardon, Captain Elli- 
ott — was kicked out of your house for cheating at cards. (Mur- 
murs among oiUcers.) 

Jack. It was an infamous plot, and you know it. 

Verley. Not kicked out, Dupre. I simply requested Mr. Elli- 
ott not to visit us until the matter was cleared up. 

Dupre. Well, it never has been. 

Brent. And never will be ! 

Verley. All this happened years ago. and has little bearing on 
the case. If we stirred up old scores, some of the best and highest 
in the army might be found wanting. Since he entered the service 
Captain Elliott's record has been an honorable one. 

Dupre. I am not so sure of that. 

Verley. What do you mean? 

Dupre. I mean that, with your permission, I will ask Captain 
Elliott a few questions. 

Verley. Certainly. But it will be entirely optional with him 
whether he answers them or not. 

Jack. I am ready to answer any question Captain Dupre may 
see fit to ask. 

Officers. That's fair. 

Dupre (to Elliott). Have you ever been in prison? 

Verley. Come, come, Dupre, this is nonsense! 

Dupre. I know what I am about. Colonel (to Elliott), have 
you ever been in prison? 

Jack. I have. 

[Dupre looks triumphant. All are astonished. 

Dupre. May I inquire how long you were there? 

Jack. Two months. 

[Dupre again looks triumphant at Verley, zvho looks 
pained. Officers whisper. 

Dupre. Would you mind telling us ivhere you served your 
time? 
Jack. In that hell upon earth where thousands of my gallant 



46 The Prisoner of Andersonvillc 

countrymen suffered the tortures of the damned. Yes, Victor 
Dupre, I spent two months of my life in the military prison of 
Andersonville. 

Verley, c. 

Elliott, r. c. Dupre, l. c. 

Officers, r. Brent, l. 

CURTAIN. 

Second Picture: Verley hands papers to Jack; or, curtain call. 



ACT IV. 

SCENE. — Exterior of Verley's house. Garden or landscape 
drop at back. A chair r. and l. of rear. Set house l. 3 e. 
Rustic bench down r. Charley Preston discovered sitting 
up R. 

Charley. I wonder what's the matter with her? Not a word, 
not a smile, not even a look ; haven't seen her for two long hours, 
and small comfort when I did see her ; informed me that I was a 
rebel, that all rebels were villains, and that she had given her 
word to the Colonel not to speak to me — not to see me, even if 
she looked my way. Then she stamped her foot and declared she 
meant to keep her word ; that she hated rebels, anyway, and 
then — then — she burst out crying and ran away. Now, what the 
devil did she cry for? 

Sally (ENTERS l. u., stops short as she sees him, then 
aside). There he is now. I mustn't speak to him. I ought not 
to look at him ; but, then, he isn't looking at me, so I suppose it's 
all right. I've tried to hate him, but I can't. What girl could 
hate a boy like that, rebel or no rebel ? 

Charley. Oh, Lord, Fm blue! (Pause.) Haven't been so 
blue since I found myself in hospital with my brains turned top- 
sey-turvey by the butt-end of a rifle. Let's see, that was nearly 
eight months ago. (Takes out picture and looks at it.) 

Sally (coming dozvn a little, then aside). Why, where did 
he get my picture? Dear fellow! he wears it next his heart, 
too. 

Charley. Yes, sir, there's the date; nearly eight months ago. 
Then she came, and away went the blues. Gee! how the boys 



The Piisorxr of Andersonville 47 

used to watch for her coming. I was one of the boys ! {Looks 
at picture, sighs. Sally tiptoes down, sees picture, jumps away.) 

Sally (breathless and aside). It's another girl! 

Charley. Wasn't she a little flirt? 

Sally (aside). I don't doubt it! 

Charley. But how cool her baby hands were upon my fevered 
brow! 

Sally (aside). Baby hands! Mine wouldn't feel so cool if 
I boxed your ears, young man! 

Charley. And the perfume she used — faint, yet sweet as a 
tender memory. It must have been violets. 

Sally (aside). He isn't sure. Oh, come now! there's a 
chance for me yet. 

Charley. Then, when. she bent over to listen to my voice, 
weak from long illness, her little brown curls would touch my 
face 

Sally (aside). If she kisses him I shall certainly scream! 

Charley. And the tender light of pity would shine in her 
soft blue eyes 

Sally (aside). Soft blue eyes! Not half so soft as your 
head! 

Charley. And then, v.'hen I got strong enough to go back to 
duty she bade me good-by with tears in her eyes, and told me 
she would always think of me as a dear, big 

Sally (quickly and spitefully). Brother! 

Charley (rises and moves tozvard her). Sally! 

Sally (jumps back). Don't come near me! 

Charley. What's the matter? 

Sally. Go back to your Southern beauty with the violet hair 
and curly brown eyes! But don't dare approach me, you — you — 
You know what I mean ! 

Charley. Violet eyes, curly brown hair. I don't know any 
such freak. But I do know that you have at last found your 
tongue, and I am awfully glad. Anything is better than — noth- 



ing 



Sally. All is over between us. 

Charley. Why ? 

Sally. Ask that horrid-looking picture you wear next your 
heart ! 

Charley. Horrid! Why, that's the sweetest little girl in 
South Carolina ! 

Sally. This to me ! Oh ! 

Charley. You're jealous! (Moves toward her.) 

Sally. Stop, sir! Not a step nearer! Jealous— of that 
fright? 



48 The Pfisoner of Andersonville 

Charley. You wouldn't call her a fright if you knew her. 

Sally. I don't want to know her. 

Charley. But you will. Why, when I was down with the 
fever and nurses v/ere worth their weight in gold she watched 
over me day and night. That little Southern girl saved my life. 

Sally. Well, why didn't you marry her? 

Charley. Well, partly because I loved another charming girl, 
and partly because she wasn't quite old enough. 

Sally (sneers). Indeed! 

Charley. The young lady is not yet fourteen. 

Sally. She's sixteen if she's a day. 

Charley. She's our Colonel's daughter, and the pride of the 
regiment ! 

Sally. Why, I thought 

Charley. I'm glad you thought. 

Sally. Why ? 

Charley. Because, if you hadn't you would have run away 
without a word I am also glad you were jealous! 

Sally. Jealous! Of a child! What do you take me for? 

Charley. For better or worse. Now, I'll let you see your 
rival. (Shows picture.) 

Sally. Oh, isn't — she — pretty! 

Charley. You bet! (She stares at him.) That is, for a 
child. (Pause.) Well, I forgive you the jealousy, but I can't 
forgive all those hours of silence and cruelty. 

Sally. I couldn't help it, Charley. Papa made me promise 
not to speak to you nor even look at 5^ou. 

Charley. Well, don't. (Arm around her waist.) 

Sally. Don't ! 

Charley. Just stand still. Kissing isn't barred, is it. (Kisses 
her.) 

Verley enters l. u., and stands astonished. 

Sally. Charley, what are you doing? 

Charley. Punishing you for disobeying your father! (Col- 
onel twns away and roars.) 

Sally. Well, I must go. Oh, if papa were to know this, 
he'd 

Charley. Court-martial you. 

Sally. I hope he doesn't find it out, or off goes my head ! 

[Charley has his arm around her waist. 

Verley. Yes, Miss, off goes your head. 

Sally. Oh! (They separate. Charley goes r.) 

Charley (r.). The devil! 



The Prisoner of Andersonville 49 

Verley (c). Well, Miss? 

Sally (l.). It was all a mistake. 

Verley. A big mistake. 

Charley. It was all my fault, sir. I made her jealous, and — 
and — well, you know how it is yourself. 

Verley (sternly). What do you mean, sir? And you, Miss, 
what brought you here? 

Sally. It was quite by accident. 

Verley. Don't let such an accident occur again. Into the 
house, Miss! Into the house! (EXIT Sally, pouting, into 
house.) And you, sir, confound it! you want to steal my child — 
you, a rebel, an enemy, want to steal my only child. 

Charley. No, Colonel, I can't see it that way. You are on 
one side of the fence, I am on the other. But it cannot be so for 
long. Such a flimsy barrier isn't enough to separate brother 
from brother. 

Verley. Maybe you're right, my boy ; maybe you're right. See 
here. Suppose we go in and drink that barrier down. 

[EXIT L. 2, arm in arm with Charley. 

ENTER DupRt R. u. 

DuPRE. What's up now, I wonder. My friend the enemy 
seems to have captured the old man. (Pause.) The papers — I 
must have them if I knock him on the head to get them. 
Curse him! If he'd only get drunk, but he's such a virtuous 
young man. 

ENTER Bingo, l. u., carrying bottle and glass on tray. As he 
enters he sings "I'd leave ma happy home" etc. EXITS 
into set house, l. 3. 

Dupr£. Well, I'll be hanged, the saint does drink! (Calls.) 
Here, you! (No answer.) Here, you, I say ! (BiSGO appears in 
door.) Did you hear me call you? 

Bingo. No, sah ! 

DuPRE. Don't lie. 

Bingo. No, sah. I heard some one call out in a very pow'ful 
voice, "Here, you!" 

DuPRE. Well, why didn't you come? 

Bingo. My name ain't "Here, a^ou." My name is Bingo, sah, 
B— I— N— G— O, Bingo! (Spits out last "Bingo" sharply.) 

DuPRE. What were you doing with that whiskey? 

Bingo. Didn't have no whiskey, sah. 

DuPRE. What was in that bottle? 



50 The Prisoner of Andcrsonvillc 

Bingo. Ginger ale, sah. 

Dupr6. Ginger ale? 

Bingo. Yes, sah. Foh Captain Elliott, sah, 

Dupr6. That will do. 

Bingo. Yes, sah. [EXIT into house. 

Dupr6. By heavens, I have it ! He's to sleep for a couple of 
hours before he starts. Here's my chance, and if Preston will 
only move into line the thing is as good as done. (Bingo comes 
from house and moves toward l. u.) Where's Captain Elliott 
now? 

Bingo. Coming right dis way, sah. (Points l. u.) 

Elliott ENTERS l. u. 

Bingo. Captain Dupre done ax for you, sah, yes, sah. 

[EXIT, L. u. 

Jack (to DuPRf). Well, sir? 

Dupre. I simply asked where you were. I don't want you. 
(About to move l.) 

Jack (stands in his way). But I want you! I want you to 
listen carefully to what I have to say. In carrying these dis- 
patches to General Grant I run the risk of being captured or 
shot. Should I be lucky enough to get through I mean to return, 
and when I do I want you to right the wrong you have done me. 

Dupr6. What do you mean? 

Jack. When you corroborated Brent's story four years ago 
you lied. 

Dupre. Take care, Captain Elliott ! 

Jack. You lied in order to degrade me in the eyes of Mrs. 
Preston. Your falsehood gained you nothing then ; it will gain 
you nothing now or at any time, therefore I ask, will you <:on- 
fess the truth? 

Dupre. Pardon me. my time is limited. (Tries to pass.) 

Jack. Answer my question. 

Dupre. Really, I had almost forgotten the circumstance. 

Jack. Then take my advice: refresh your memory at the 
earliest opportunity. I will bear this disgrace no longer. In 
striking at my honor you robbed me of my life. When I return 
you shall vindicate me before the world or your life shall pay 
the forfeit. (Points r.) Go! (Dupre EXITS r. u. Jack takes 
papers from pocket, looks at them.) All safe. Now for a couple 
of hours' sleep, and then a hard ride and a fast ride, with a 
"God-speed you and keep you" from Kate, my bonny Kate. 

[EXIT into house. 



The Prisoner of Andersonvillc 5J 

ENTER Mickey and I.arry, r. u., talking. 

Larry (r.). Have you them wid ye? (Larry has gun.) 

Mickey (l,). To be sure I have. (Takes two cigars from 
pocket.) The powder's there, an' I have it plugged. 

Larry. An' where did ye get thim? 

Mickey. From who but that illigant lady Mrs. Preston. 
The saints presarve her. 

Larry (looking at them). Thim's the same the Colonel 
smokes ? 

Mickey. The same. 

Larry. It's a shame intirely to throw one of thim away on the 
nagur. 

Mickey. It's the fun we'll have, bedad ! The nagur will smell 
powder this time. 

Larry. An' where is he now? 

Mickey. Oh, he'll be around somewhere. (Takes a piece of 
green ribbon from round his neck.) Here's a piece of green rib- 
bon I've kept this many a day. I'll tie a strip of it around the 
cigar that's loaded, and (ties it) I'll put thim both away, so that 
I'll take thim out quite natural. The nagur is getting that sus- 
picious of me on account of the jokes I do be having wid him 
every wanst in a while. 

Larry. It's a mane trick ye played him yesterday. 

Mickey. An' this one will make it even. We'll walk down 
here a bit an' give the poor divil a smoke. (Turns to EXIT r. u. 
Larry sees some one.) 

Larry. Halt! An' who goes there? , 

Bingo. Dat's me, Massa Lacy. Jes' you put down dat gun, 
sah, or I'll fly away, Massa Lacy. 

Larry. It's the nagur. 

Mickey. An' him a-goin' to fly. Come here, nagur. Sure, we 
wouldn't kill ye for the world. (ENTER Bingo, r. u.) Have 
ye a match? (Mickey takes out cigar.) I think I'll take a 
smoke. Larry, me boy, will ye try a cigar? 

Larry. Thank ye kindly, Sergeant, an' I would, but I have 
palpitation of the jugular vein. An' sure, I'm on guard. 

Mickey. True for ye. Nagur, will ye smoke a cigar with a 
gintleman ? 

Bingo. Yes, sah. Dis yah cullud gentleman ain't got no flop- 
peration ob de jag on de ear in the brain. (Mickey goes to hand 
him a cigar, stops, looks puzzled, then at Larry. Bingo is busy 
hunting for another match.) 

Mickey (aside). Say, Larry, darlint, whisper! Which cigar 
did I put the ribbon on? 



52 The Prisoner of Andersonville 

Larry. Sure I know, for be the same token I was looking at 
ye, Mickey. Yez put the ribbon on — yez put the ribbon on 

Mickey. Yes ? 

Larry (very confidentially) . Yez put it on — the other one 

Mickey. Yis? On this? (Shows cigar with ribbon.) 

Larry. An' no other. 

Mickey. But where' s the powder? 

Larry. Sure, it's there. 

Mickey. But where?' ' • '.*''>''» 

Larry. Underneath " the green ribbon. 

Mickey. The divil fly away wid ye ! Would I be after trying 
to blow up the Irish green? 

Larry. Niver wanst. 'Tis the one wid the strip on that's all 
right. 

Mickey. Here ye are, nagur. (Hands him good cigar.) Sure, 
it's the best of the two I'd be after giving ye. 

Larry. That same an' no other ! 

Mickey. It's one of the Colonel's best. Light up. They're 
that mild a child could stand thim. 

[Both strike matches. Mickey holds his near cigar, but 
does not light it; watches Bingo light his, at the same 
time casting sly winks and glances at Larry, finally 
lights his cigar, explodes pistol shot in zvings, 
knocks Mickey over. He picks himself up slowly. 
Bingo roars, turns himself around, laughs immod- 
erately. Larry tries to suppress laughter. 

Mickey (to Larry). Is it laughing ye are? Ye'd laugh, I 
suppose, if the head wint off me shoulders. 

Larry. Sure, they're that mild a child could stand thim. 

Bingo. Him kick up Massa Sergeant. 

Mickey. It near burned the mouth off of me. 

Bingo. Come along wid me, Massa Free. I give yoh some 
whiskey, sah. 

Mickey. Say, nagur, you're a great man. Lade on, McBingo, 
an' damned be he who first cries quit, by Jingo ! ( Turns, zvinks 
at Larry and nods head as if to come.) 

Larry (in a zvhisper). Faith, I can't. I'm on guard. 

Mickey. That's so, an' it's too bad, but yez had a good laugh; 
yez had a good laugh on me, Larry. 

Larry (calling after him). Lave a drop in the bottle, Mickey, 
darlint. I'll be off guard in a while. 

Mickey. Take a drop out of yer gun there. Faith, it's a 
zvhole barrel ye have. Come, nagur, let's go find the lake in that 
bottle. [EXIT r. i with Bingo. 



The Pfisonef of Andersonville 53 

Larry. Bad luck to ye, Mickey, the divil a leak will there be 
whin ye get through. (Turns r., walks.) Ow-wow, I am that 
dry! [EXIT, r. u. 

ENTER Teena mysteriously. Looks after sentry, then all around. 

Teena. Mister Bingo ! Mister Bingo ! Where de debbil is 
dat fool niggah? He done gone an' make an assassination to 
meet me here at dis berry hour. {Looks around, then doivn c.) 
Dere ain't nobody around, but I feels kinder scared. (ENTER 
Bingo, r. u. ) Dere ain't nobody safe dese days. Supposin' one 
ob dem rebellious rebels should come right heah an' creep right 
up behin' me (meamvliile Bingo has crept up) an' put his arms 
right aroun' me (Bingo puts arms around her), an' — put — his — 
arm — right — aroun' — me! {Teeth chatter.) Oh, Lawd, I'se a 
dead niggah, shuah ! {Faints in his arms.) Bingo grins, tries to 
hold her up, finally kisses her. She shakes right foot, he kisses 
her again. She shakes left foot, he kisses her again. She opens 
her eyes, looks at audience.) Dat ain't no rebel. Dar ain't no 
rebel debbil goin' to kiss me like that. {Sees Bingo.) Fob de 
Lawd's sake. Mister Bingo, you done scared me out ob my leben- 
teen senses ! 

Bingo. Here dey come, Miss Teena, more dan a thousand 
rebels, 

[Teena screams and faints in his arms, hut he does not 
kiss her. She pouts her lips, then jumps away from 
him. 

Teena. Mister Bingo, you ain't got no more sense than a 
plantation mule. 

Bingo. Get out here quick ! Here am de sentry. 

[Hustles her off l. u. and is about to EXIT after her. 

ENTER Mickey, r. 2. 

Mickey. Hold on there, nagur. Where's the other party? 

Bingo {innocently). I'se all alone, Massa Free. I'se jes' ex- 
aminin' de moon. 

Mickey. Don't lie, now, or I'll blow the head off ye. {Points 
revolver. Bingo dodges from side to side.) 

Bingo. I ain't tellin' no lies, Massa Free. I was jes' habin' a 
talk wid Miss Teena. 

Mickey. Well, it's good ye told me the truth. Get out of 
this, ye black divil. {Prods him off l. 2.) Bedad, the nagur's 
in luck. Petticoats are mighty scarce around here. [EXIT l. 2. 



54 The Prisoner of Andersonville 

ENTER DuPRE and Preston, r. u. 

Charley (crosses down l.). I'll be damned if I want to take 
the chances for any money. If I were caught I should be shot 
without a doubt. 

Dupre (c). But you won't be caught; the thing is impossible. 

ENTER Kate, l. u. • 

Kate (aside). I thought they had passed on. (Turns to go.) 

Dupre. Now, listen. When I get the papers 

Kate (stops, aside). The papers! (Listens.) 

Dupre. I will give them to you. Have your horse ready, ride 
like the devil, and they will be in Johnston's hands before morn- 
ing. (Kate retires behind house.) 

Charley. And suppose I am challenged by some of the men? 

Dupre. I have attended to that. This pass, signed by Colonel 
Verley, will see you through. 

Charley (about to take pass, then draws back). No, I guess 
I won't ! 

Dupre. Don't be a fool, man. Those papers once in the 
hands of Johnston, your advancement is certain. It will be Col- 
onel Preston inside a week. 

Charley. Colonel Preston. That sounds well. The temp- 
tation is strong, but it won't work, Dupre. I have given my 
word of honor not to escape and I will not break it. 

Dupre. Not even to save your country? 

Charley. There are some things a man of honor cannot do 
even to save his country. [EXIT, l. i. 

Dupre. Getting particular as you grow older, eh? Well, 
needs must when the devil drives. Those papers shall go through 
if I have to take them myself. It's about time for me to quit, 
anyway. 

ENTER Mickey, l. 2. Crosses to r. u. 

Dupre. Oh, by the way, Sergeant Free! 

Mickey. Yes, sir. (Salutes.) 

Dupre. See that my horse is saddled and kept in waiting. 

Mickey (salutes). Yes, sir. (Aside.) An' while ye are at 
it I wish ye'd ride to the divil. [EXIT, r. u. 

Dupre (down r.). So far, so good. The sentry is out of the 
way. Now for the papers. (Turns up toward house, sees 
Kate, who has entered from behind house and now stands in 
front of door with arms outstretched.) 



The Prisoner of Andersonville 55 

DuPRE (starts back). Well, what are you doing here? 

Kate. I am here to prevent you bringing further disgrace on 
the man I love. 

DuPRE. Do you knovi^ what these papers are? 

Kate. I know they contain important information from Lee 
to Johnston. 

DuPRE. More. A thousand times more. If they fail to reach 
their original destination our cause is lost. 

Kate (sarcastically). Our cause! (Down a little.) 

DuPRE. Aye, our cause. Think you because I wear this coat 
my heart is with the North? I hate them all. I hate them be- 
cause, jealous of our wealth and prosperity, envious of our cheap 
labor, they would crush us under the shallow pretence of bene- 
fitting the slaves. But you — have you forgotten that you are a 
Southern woman? 

Kate. No. Nor have I forgotten the blight you cast upon 
an innocent man. 

DuPRE. You mean that in your love for him you have forgot- 
ten your country's cause? 

Kate. I mean that through you he bears a dishonored name, 
and while I can prevent it he shall not again suffer at your 
hands. 

DuPRE. What if he were innocent of the charge? What if I 
could prove it ? 

Kate. You would not if you could. 

DuPRE. I can and I will. Now let me pass. (Moves as if to 
go. Kate rushes in front of door.) 

Kate. No! No! (Dupre takes her arm.) Help! 

Dupr6. Hush, you fool ! 

ENTER Mickey. 

Mickey. Did you call, ma'am? 

Dupre (aside). I can and will prove his innocence. I swear it. 

Mickey. Did you call, ma'am? 

Kate. I — I — no. 

Mickey. Oh, ye didn't? 

Kate. No, Mickey, no ! 

Mickey (aside). Oh, but ye did. Faith, if I only dared I 
would give him one thump that would send him to sleep till the 
war was over. [EXIT, r. 2. 

Dupre. Not a word. 

[EXIT through door, l. Kate looks after Mickey. 

Kate, He doubted me. I could see it plainly. Yet what 
could I do ? Everything depended on my answer. I had no time 
to think. 



LefO 



56 The Prisoner ol Anderson ville 

ENTER DuPRE. 

DuPRE. I have them safe. To-morrow I will keep my word. 

[EXIT, L. 2. 

Kate. To-morrow ! What have I done ? Jack will never 
forgive me. No, no ! I did wrong to consent. He would not 
give up those papers to save his life. No, not even to redeem 
the past. I will call Dupre back. He shall restore them at 
once. {Goes toward l. 2, turns hack.) No, he would not do it. 
It is too late. {Thinks.) It is not too late. I will awaken Cap- 
tain Elliott. There is yet time to recover them. {Taps at door.) 
Mr. Elliott ! Jack ! It is I ! (Jack appears at door in shirt and 
pants. ) 

Jack. Kate, you here? What is it? 

Kate. Quick ! The papers ! The dispatches ! They are gone ! 

Jack. Gone ! No, I have them here. 

Kate. They have been stolen, I tell you. {He turns l.) It 
is useless to look for them. Dupre has stolen them. I saw him 
take them. 

Jack. My God! Why did you not awaken me? 

Kate. Never mind why? There is no time for explanations. 
It is not too late to recover them. 

Jack. I can recover them? Tell me — tell me how! 

Kate. Dupre himself is to take them to the rebel camp. His 
horse is ready to bear him away. 

Jack. He must pass this way to get it. See, even now he is 
coming. {Pushes Kate aside.) 

ENTER Dupre, l. i, hurriedly. Jack steps forward, places hand 
on Dupre's shoulder. Kate EXITS, l. u. 

Dupre. Hands off! Who the devil are you? 

Jack. Jack Elliott, and I want those papers! 

Dupre. I have no papers. 

Jack {resolutely). Give me those papers! 

Dupre. I tell you, I have none. Stand aside! {Makes as 
though to pass. Jack takes him by the throat, forces him to his 
knees.) 

Jack. The papers, you scoundrel. {Chokes him.) 

Dupre. Damn it — don't — choke — the life — out of me! 

Jack. Those papers, I say! 

Dupre (l.). Let up and you shall have them. (Jack takes 
papers as Verley and the rest enter l.) 

Verley (l. c). What's all this about? The dispatches stolen? 

Jack (r.). And the thief caught. 



The Prisoner of Andersonville 57 

ENTER Mickey, r. 2, and stands near Preston, r. Preston 

down R. 

Verley, Explain, my boy, explain. 

Jack. Mrs. Preston will tell you all about it, Colonel Verley. 
All I know is, that hearing that this man had possession of the 
dispatches, I forcibly recovered them. (Moves up stage, then 
doivn L.) 

Verley. Dupre, what does this mean? How came these docu- 
ments in your possession? {Pause.) I am waiting, sir. {No 
answer.) You will not tell me? 

Kate (r. c). Then I will. They were stolen from Captain 
Elliott's room by Captain Dupre. I overheard him tempting my 
brother to bear them to the rebel camp. 

Verley. Preston, is this true? 

Charley (r.). Well, I don't see what is to be gained by deny- 
ing it. My sister speaks the truth. 

Dupre (l.). It's a lie! Damn you, take that! 

[Fires at Preston, zvho is near r. i. Elliott, who has 
got near Dupre, knocks pistol aside as it explodes, 
Mickey has been standing near Preston and a little 
above him, with his hand holding pipe in his mouth. 
As shot is fired pipe is seen to Hy from his mouth 
and fall on stage. At the same time Jack takes re- 
volver from Dupre. 

Mickey. Bedad, there goes another finger! {Counts lingers 
of right hand.) One, two, three, four. Faith, it was only me 
pipe! It was only me pipe! {Crosses and stands near Du- 
pre.) 

Charley. You white-livered cur ! Is that the way you treat 
a man because he refuses to break his word? Captain Elliott, 
you saved my life a moment ago, and even now I can in part 
repay you. Colonel Verley, I have to report the death of Lieu- 
tenant Brent, who was severely wounded yesterday. Before he 
died he placed in my hands a written confession. In the pres- 
ence of two witnesses he swore that when he accused Captain 
Elliott of cheating at cards he lied, and that he was bribed to do 
his dirty work by a certain Victor Dupre. 

Kate. I knew it, uncle. I told you so. 

Verley. Yes. my dear, you saw through their little scheme, 
as I should have done if I had not been a thick-headed old don- 
key. (Bingo roars and Teen a hits him a whack on back.) 

Teena. Shet up yoh big fool mouf ! 



58 The Prisoner of Andersonvillc 

Verley. Captain Dupre, retire to your quarters, sir, and con- 
sider yourself under arrest. 

[EXIT Dupre, l. i. Salutes as he goes. Horse heard 
galloping, off -R. 

Mickey. There's some one coming in double-quick time. 
(Looks off R. Horse effects gradually louder.) Sure, every- 
thing seems to be coming in double-quick time. My head's that 
dizzy I don't know if I'm myself or the nagur. (Horse stops, 
orderly rushes on with dispatches; or Bingo can run off and get 
them. ) 

Verley (takes dispatches from orderly, opens and reads quick- 
ly. To Jack.) Give me the dispatches, sir, and remain with the 
woman you so nobly deserve. 

Jack. It is my duty, sir, to carry them through, and I will 
yield that honor to no one. 

Verley. My boy, it will not be necessary. This dispatch is 
from General Grant. General Lee has surrendered. It is God's 
will that the North and the South shall be one country now and 
for ever. 

[Orchestra plays "The Star-Spangled Banner." 

Larry, up r. 

Teena and Bingo, c. back. 
Preston and Sally, down r. 

Jack and Kate, c. Col. Verley, l. c. Mickey, l. 



CURTAIN. 



WHAT'S NEXT? 

S A Farce-Comedy in Three Acts, by Bob Watt. 



PRICE, 25 CENTS. 




Seven male, four female characters, with four utility parts to be doubled by 
the preceding;. If desired, a lot of school children can be worked into the 
first act. Two interior scenes, School Room and Pari or ; easily staged ; can be 
played in any hall. A "specialty" play that is simply three acts of laugh. 
Has a first-rate leading soubrette role (Country Girl). Audiences will giggle 
over this play for a month and then want to see it played again. 



CAST OF CHARACTERS. 

PojJJT TOK'R, a conundrum ) «:rmhi.AttoT^ori 

Mart Ann Fogartt. from the Emerald Isle] Soubrette Lead. 

Rose M* ddee, a victim of the ureen-eyed monster Juvenile Woman. 

Gertik Gush, of uncertain age, and after a husband Ingenue. 

Mrs. Wallace, a fascinating widow en the lookout for 

number two " 

Dr. Charles Chintzer, generally called "Chub," who 

takes what turn* up Licrht Comedy. 

Moses Madder, an artist with a great head for business. Eccentric Comedy. 
Phineas Poke, one of the deestrict school hoard, and pro- 

prietor of Poke's Pine Potion Eccentric Old Man . 

Zeph Somehs, a rustic with "Injuns" on the brain Eccentric Ooiucdy. 

Timothy Trbnwith, a specimen from Texas, in search of 

his daughter Comedy Old Mnn. 

Willy Nilly, a dudelet from Gotham Comedy Dude. 

MicHAKii McQiLP, wan av de foinest, Dialect Comedy. 

Time of Representation, Two Hours and a Half. 



SYNOPSIS OP INCIDENTS. 

ACT I.— Thb Bogtown District School. Chub's story.— Scheme No, 1.— 
"Have you a week-day and a Sunday name ? "—Poke's Pine Potion.— The 
compacL—PoUy's first lesson In love.— One of the deestrict school board.— 
Visitors.—" Washington crossing the Alps."— Scheme No. 2.— The school ex- 
amination.— Zeph makes a sensation.— The young idea out shooting.- 
" Danged If it ain't like the circus ! " 

ACT ir.— Moses Madder's Studio in New York. A domestic set-to.— Willy 
comes in, in a hurry.— "Bwing on the girl and the minister."— Polly paralyzes 
the dude— "You're a pretty good liar, ain't you T"— Hiring a "boomer."— 
Chub and Polly.— Gertie gets gushing.— Timothy Trenwith, from Texas.— 
Zeph has another conniption.— Getting some points from the widow.— A jolly 
row In the house.— Willie gets left.— Madders schemes grow shaky.—" First 
scalp for Zeph!" 

ACT III.— Scene as Before. A flattering arrangement.— " Look here, I 
ain't no angel! "—Polly's plan.— WilUe in trouble again.— Gertie and the 
widow have another tiff,- " SufTerln' Cyrus, what shall I do ! "—Another 
scheme smashed.— Mary Ann Fogarty on the servant question.- Gertie 
catches a man at last.— "The circus Is going to begin."— Willie runs amuck 
with wan av the foinest.— Madder's masterpiece.— The "boomer" takes a 
trick.-" I'm as happy as ef I owned the hull state of Texas ! "—Gertie on the 
warpath.— "O, Chub, that kerflumuxes me ! "—Willie and the widow.—" I've 
got a little lie and I can't tell a hatchet."— The last scheme knocked iu the 
nead.— " What's Next ? " 

0^ Copies will be mailed, post-paid, to 

anj address, on receipt of the price. ..^ 



loooowMJOooaooooo© 



s 



i0©0«^0^0Q^)(^OO0O()f)O9OOOOO^ 



lUL 23 190? 



MY LADY DARRELL 

Or, A STRANGE MARRIAGE 

A Drama in Four Acts, by JOSEPH LE BRANDT 



Price, 25 Cents 



This drama possesses all the elements of success — quick movement, strong heart* 
interest, genuine comedy, powerful situations, effective stage pictures, grand climaxes. 

It is unconventional in plot and treatment, and runs the whole gamut of interest. 
With the opening act on a farm, we have the rural play ; the second act, at the home 
of Lord Darrell, affords society-drama ; the last act, with its thrilling denouement ia 
The Beggars' Paradise, gives strong melodrama. The characters are all real, living 
people. 

Each act is stronger than the preceding one ; each incident adds to the interest ; the 
unravelling of the plot holds the attention and sympathy of the audience to the end. 
It is full of surprises ; the story is not so simple that the audience can tell exactly what 
is going to happen next. The pathos of one scene brings a tear to the eye, only to be 
banished the next moment by a hearty laugh at a bright line or a mirthful bit of 
comedy. Scenes of the play have been likened to such successes as The Wife, Thb 
Wages of Sin, The Tw^o Orphans, etc. The leading female r61e (Alice) is on the 
style of characters assumed by Miss Annie Russell. Easy to stage, the piece can be 
produced in an ordinary hall by actors of average talent. Its author's reputation and 
its professional success during two seasons especially recommended the play. Profes- 
sional rights reserved. No charge for amateur production. 



DRAMATIS PERSONS 

Alice, a/ierwards Countess o/ Darrell , • • Lead 

Viola Vaughn ........... Genteel Heavy 

Lady Darrell, Roy's mother ••..... Straight Old Woman 

Martha Paisey ......... Character Old Woman 

Kate Cripps ...• Emotional Heavy 

Mother Cripps ..•..■••• Character Old Woman 

Lord Roy Darrell ., .• Juvenile Lead 

George Vaughn, alias Count Jura •...•* Genteel Heavy 

Armstrong Dale ..«• Light Comedy 

Sir Geoffrey Ravi^don Straight Old Man 

Captain Lionel Wyndham .••....• Juvenile Man 

Joseph Paisey Character Comedy 

Job Trotters Character Comedy 

Toby Bruce Character Heavy 

Dalton, Sergeant of Police Utility 

Time. — The Present. Place. — England. 
Time of Representation. — Two Hours and a Half. 



SYNOPSIS OF INCIDENTS 

Act. I. — Scene 1. The Paisey Farm. "Now, strike if you dare I" Scene a. 
Lord Darrell's Estate. A Strange Marriage. 

Act II.— a lapse of four months. The Plot. The Insult. The Blow. 

Act III. — The Abduction. The Recognition. "You are the murderer of Capt. 
Wyndham ! " 

Act IV. — In London. "I'll rescue her if it takes the last drop of blood in my 
veins I" The Beggars' Paradise. Finale. 



Dick & Fitzgerald, Publishers, i8 Ann Street, New York 



COME.DIES AND DRAMAS | 

15 CENTS EACH f. 

M. F. VK 

MY AWFUL DAD. Comedy that always makes a brilliant hit; 3 acts; JK 

2 hours 6 6 :K 

NIGHT IN TAPPAN, A. Farce comedy; excessively funny and sure to yf^r 

take ; i act ; % hour 2 3 {jgf 

NOT SO BAD AFTER ALL. Comedy; sometimes plays as " Is Marriage ^U 

a Failure?" 3 acts ; i^ hours 6 5 '^1? 

NOT SUCH A FOOL AS HE LOOKS. Comedy; one of the best ex- j!j 

amples of modern farcical comedy ever written ; 3 acts ; 2% hours 5 4 JK 

OUR BOYS. Comedy ; always succeeds ; 3 acts ; 2 hours 6 4 ydJr 

OUT IN THE STREETS. Drama. Wherever this play is presented it is V>/ 

received with the greatest enthusiasm ; 3 acts ; i hour 6 4 Vt/' 

PAIR OF IDIOTS. A. Up-to-date society comedy, with bright and witty ^K 

dialogue and telling situations ; 2 acts ; 2 hours. .' 3 3 ?K 

PICKING UP THE PIECES. Hffective comedy either as a parlor play or {ffi 

curtain raiser ; i act ; 50 minutes i i y|^ 

ROBERT EMMET. (New version.) A new, actable version of this great Nif 

historical drama ; 3 acts ; 2 hours 10 2 \V( 

SAVED FROM THE WRECK. Drama ; serio-comic ; 3 acts, 2 hours. ... 8 3 ^^ 

SCRAP OF PAPER, A. Comedy of the present time, full of healthy yf^ 

laughter ; 3 acts ; 2 hours 6 6 ij^ 

SHAKESPEARE WATER CURE. Burlesque comedy; each character a il? 

star ; 3 acts ; 2 hours 5 4 >i? 

SINGLE LIFE. Comedy; the characters are all comic and all "Stars"; ?K 

3 acts ; 2 hours 5 5 ^ 

SNOWBALL, THE. Farcical comedy ; the popularity of this comedy is un- ^ig^ 

excelled ; 3 acts ; 2 hours .'. 4 3 y|^ 

SOLON SHINGLE. Yankee comedy ; 2 acts ; i^ hours 7 2 ife' 

STRIFE. (Master and Men.) Great labor drama; a play for the masses ; JK 

4 acts ; 214 hours 9 4 ^JJ 

SUNSET. Comedy ; requires some acting with reserve force in both comedy \jlji 

and pathos ; i act ; 50 minutes 3 3 ^ji 

SWEETHEARTS. Comedy combining fun and pathos ; 2 acts ; i hour. .. 2 3 'Vti? 

TEN NIGHTS IN A BARROOM. New and simplified version of an old jK 

favorite that will draw hundreds where otlier plays draw dozens ; 5 acts ; JK 

2 hours 7 4 :K 

THREE HATS. Farcical comedy ; one of the greatest favorites ; cannot fail -K 

to be a success ; 3 acts ; 2 hours . . 5 4 S'J 

TIMOTHY DELANO'S COURTSHIP. Yankee comedy full of laughable vt> 

incidents; 2 acts ; i hour 2 3 \^ 

TRIED AND TRUE. Stirring play of city life, full of brisk action and lively j^l 

dialogue; 3 acts ; 2i<( hours 8 3 

TRIPLE WEDDING. Short excellent drama of home life by the author of 



I 



The County Fair " ; 3 acts ; i j{ hours 4 4 i^( 

UNCLE JACK. Drama; comic, with a good moral ; i act ; labours 3 4 M% 

UNCLE TOM'S CABIN. New version. An old favorite rewritten so that ai 

it can be played in any hall ; 5 acts ; 2}( hours 7 5 ai 

UNDER A CLOUD. Comedy drama ; bright, breezy, full of snap and go; \{/ 

2 acts ; 1 14 hours .' 5 2 \t) 

UNEXPECTED FARE, AN. Comedy affording excellent scope for amusing \i/ 

situations and by-play ; 1 act ; ]/^ hour i 5 ij^ 

WANDERER'S RETURN, THE." (Enoch Arden.) Drama with strong \f/ 

plot ana effective characters ; 4 acts ; 21.4 hours 6 4 \ijt 

WOODCOCK'S LITTLE GAME. Farce-comedy ; funny ; 2 acts ; i hour.. 4 4 "vl^ 

WOVEN WED, THE. Strong and sparkling drama; has a military flavor, (f) 

and is f.equently played under the title of " In Old Virginia " ; 4 acts ; ^ 

2 1^ hours . . 7 3 \f^ 

DICK & FITZGERALD, Publishers, 18 Ann St., N. Y. \i 



% t 

% COMEDIES AND DRAMAS % 

% 25 CENTS EACH % 

^|> ALL THE COMFORTS OF HOME. Comedy by William Gillette. Only \f/ 

/jy authorized edition of this famous play ; 4 acts ; 2^ hours 10 7 \|/' 

JJ BREAKING HIS BONDS. Strong drama with comic underplay; easily V*^ 

2? staged ; 4 acts ; 2 hours 6 3 ^ 

^|\ BUTTtRNUT'S BRID£; OR, SHE WOULD BE A WIDOW. Farce JjJ 

^|\ comedy for laughing purposes only ; 3 acts ; 2j^ hours 11 6 ai 

'(S\ CAPTAIN DICK. Effective drama, founded on an episode of the Civil War ; \f/ 

(ifi 3 acts; 2 hours 9 6 \j/' 

A DEACON, THE. Comedy drama that is simply immense. Alvyn Joslyn W. 

/!v type, old man leading character ; 5 acts ; 2>^ hours 6 6 M' 

/|\ EDWARDS THE SPY. Drama ; a brilliant episode of the Civil War ; 5 acts ; $)$ 

/|\ 2}^ hours , 10 4 y|^ 

/fc ERIN GO BRAGH. Up-to-date Irish drama; both serious and comic in ^'f 

ff^ scope, not sensational ; 3 acts ; 2 hours 5 4 ^f/ 

(|: GOLDEN GUlCH. (The Government Scout) Drama that combines fun, ri 

•7^ sentiment, and exciting situations ; 3 acts ; 2^ hours 11 3 JK 

^(\i GYPSY QUEEN. THE. Romantic drama with bright comedy parts; ^) 

^|\ 4 acts ; 2.% hours 5 3 y)^ 

^iy JAILBIRD, THE. Drama of city life, containing a vivid plot with well- ^) 

(^ diversified interest, together with a pretty love-story; 5 acts ; 214 hours.. 3 Vt/ 

^1^ JOHN BRAG, DECEASED. Farce comeuy ; one of the best farces ever ^l 

i!c published; nothing slow in this piece ; 4 acts ; 2,'/^ hours 8 5 }K 

/HV JOSIAH'S COURTSHIP. Farcical comedy drama; uproarious comedy ifff 

^|\ features alternate with forceful, but not heavy pathos ; 4 acts ; 2 hours. ... 7 4 lyf/ 

(^ MAN FROM MAINE. Comedy drama with a wide-awake hero from '' Down VJ/' 

fJ!^ East " ; 5 acts ; 2% hours 9 3 VV 

^K MISS MOSHER OF COLORADO. Comedy drama with great "charac- % 

yi^ ter" parts ; 4 acts, 2>:( hours 5 3 ?{J 

ijfi MY LADY DARRELL. Drama possessing all the elements of success ; yf/ 

ij^ powerful situations, effective stage pictures, and grand climaxes ; 4 acts ; \f/ 

i^|\ z% hours 9 6 yf/ 

^1^ NIGHT OFF, A. C,omedy by Augustin Daly ; printed from the original W 

^♦J prompt-copy ; 4 acts ; 2i^ hours 6 5 W 

T PRISONER OF ANDERSONVILLE. Military comedy drama. An excel % 

>!y lent play for amateurs, as all the parts are good and evenly divided ; 4 acts ; ^»% 

d^S 2 1< hours 10 4 ^1^ 

/(^ REGULAR FLIRT, A. Up to-date comedy, especially recommended to \f/ 

/(\ those who have produced the author's "Just for Fun "; 3 acts ; 2 hours... 4 4 yf/f 

jj SEVEN-TWENTY-EIGHT. By Augustin Daly. There have been several Vf' 

?JJ imitations of this comedy, but none of them approaches the original ; w 

W 4 acts ; 2 1^ hours 7 4 H 

/!y SHAUN AROON. Stirring drama of home life in Ireland ; a simple real pic- ^-^ 

^ly ture of country life in the Emerald Isle ; 3 acts ; 2 hours 7 3 ^«% 

'(i\ SQUIRE TOMPKINS' DAUGHTER. Strong comedy drama; 5 acts; \\f 

tH\ 214 hours 5 2 yf/ 

^J^ STEEL KING, THE. Comedy drama with brisk action ; depicts the strug- V|^ 

W gle between labor and capital ; 4 acts ; 2j^ hours 5 3 V/ 

/!y WHAT'S NEXT? Farce comedy: 3 acts; plays i^o minutes; raises 150 ^|^ 

/i\ laughs 7 4 yf> 

/Jn white lie, a. Comedy drama; abounds in laughable comedy features \f/ 

^fe and strong situations of serious interest ; 4 acts ; 2I/2 hours 4 3 \f/ 

/ft Nj? 

^ft DICK & FITZGERALD, Publishers, 18 Ann St., N. Y. ij^ 

^ \ •/• 



A/: I 




\ 



